Marlins option Tom Koehler to Triple-A

The Marlins optioned right-handed starter Tom Koehler to Triple-A New Orleans following his start on Tuesday against the Astros. Koehler lasted just three innings against Houston, getting pounded for eight runs and taking the loss.

In his three frames of work, Koehler gave up seven hits and walked four while striking out three. The Astros tagged him for five singles in the first inning, and Koehler then walked three straight batters with two outs in the second before Brian McCann cleared the bases with a double.

On the season, Koehler is 1-2 with a dreadful 7.04 ERA through eight starts. He’s posted a sub-4.00 ERA just one season through five with the big club, while his home runs allowed rate has gone up in three consecutive seasons.

It’s unclear what the Marlins have planned for the open rotation spot, but they have a few days to figure it out. Left-hander Jeff Locke is expected to be ready to return from his biceps injury within the next week or two. Justin Nicolino is also an option.