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Former Marlin Olivo fills Mathis void

JUPITER -- One of Miami's most glaring holes is behind the plate, and with a late-day signing on Thursday, Miguel Olivo might be the right fit.

Jeff Mathis was out running with the Marlins' trainer on the back fields after his teammates took batting practice, but he is still thought to be a ways out from appearing in a game as he continues to recover from a broken collarbone.

Marlins' president of baseball operations, Larry Beinfest, says that if manager Mike Redmond is comfortable with the young left-handed Kyle Skipworth taking on the back-up role until Mathis returns, than that’s enough.

“Kyle [Skipworth] has done a great job; Kyle hasn’t caught in the big leagues. Koyie Hill’s done a good job...Jeff Mathis is coming back and his rehab is going well,” Beinfest said. “Kyle’s very much in this, he’s been impressive behind the plate.”

Olivo, an 11-year major leaguer, was going through the spring motions with the Reds as a non-roster invitee. Though Cincinnati wanted to retain him for depth, the 34-year-old declined a $100,000 retention bonus to stay in the minor leagues with the organization.

Olivo's deal with the Marlins is pending a physical. He appeared in 21 spring games with the Reds, and is a career .241 hitter. Olivo played in a Florida Marlins uniform from 2006-07.

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