Tom Koehler optioned to NOLA, Cervenka recalled

Following his latest tough outing, the Marlins optioned struggling starting pitcher Tom Koehler to Triple A New Orleans on Monday.

            Since July 1 when he was activated from the disabled list (right shoulder bursitis), Koehler has gone 0-3 with a 9.87 ERA in four starts. Koehler has allowed 15 home runs, including three in Sunday’s 6-3 loss to the Reds and given up 19 earned runs in 15 innings.

            Koehler has gone 1-5 this season with a 7.92 ERA in 12 starts (55 2/3 innings), higher than only Bartolo Colon’s 8.19 ERA among major-league starters who have thrown at least 40 innings.

            Koehler’s demotion means the Marlins will have to choose a starter to replace him for Friday’s start at Marlins Park against the Reds.

            The Marlins called up reliever Hunter Cervenka from NOLA to fill the roster spot.

When Cervenka pitches, it will be his first action of the season in a Marlins’ uniform. Cervenka has gone 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 34 innings (36 appearances) at Triple A New Orleans this season with 34 strikeouts and 21 walks.

Cervenka posted a 4.82 ERA in 9 1/3 innings with seven strikeouts and five walks last season.