Skipworth sent back down Triple A New Orleans in anticipation of Mathis' arrival Tuesday

LOS ANGELES -- Barring a freak injury or step back on Monday, catcher Jeff Mathis will probably make his Marlins debut Tuesday when the team returns back to Miami to open a nine-game homestand against the Reds.

As expected, sent former first round pick Kyle Skipworth back down to Triple A New Orleans after Sunday's game to make room for Mathis, who was acquired in the big Blue Jays trade in the off-season.

Mathis has been red-hot in the minors. He homered Sunday in his first game for New Orleans. Before that, he was 7-for-25 (.280) with a homer and 10 RBI in seven games between Single A Jupiter and Double A Jacksonville. 

> After Sunday's loss, which dropped the Marlins to 11-27, a lot of talk in the clubhouse was about Marcell Ozuna's rocket throw to get the speedy Carl Crawford out at third base in the first inning. 

"It was a great throw. We're talking Vladimir Guerrero type arm," manager Mike Redmond said. "I think Carl was surprised he got to that ball and got that throw off that quick."

Justin Ruggiano said he's been impressed with Ozuna. In the 12 games he's played with the Marlins he has three outfield assists and might have had a couple more if not for being a tad late on a pair of bullet throws in San Diego.

"I think our outfield has been playing well all year," Ruggiano said. "Ozuna stepping in and doing what he's doing right now offensively and defensively is a great plus. He's got a great arm and plays his spot very well. It's nice when you have one unit out there working together and covering the ground that we're covering. It makes for a good outfield and a good defense. We need that for our team to be successful."

> Ruggiano's solo home run to left Sunday extended his team lead. He has seven home runs this season -- all of them have come on the road. He came in tied with Chase Utley for fifth in the National League in total bases on the road with 39.