A lingering finger injury has temporarily cost the Marlins the services of All-Star closer A.J. Ramos.
Ramos was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday due to a fractured middle finger on his throwing hand, an injury suffered late last month while fielding a bunt.
The Marlins also optioned newly acquired left-hander Hunter Cervenka to Triple-A New Orleans. Right-hander Austin Brice and left-hander Chris Narveson were summoned from the Zephyrs to bolster a bullpen depleted by Monday's 14-inning game.
Ramos, third in the National League with 32 saves in 34 chances, has continued to pitch with the injury. It has affected his ability to spin the ball and command his pitches.
That was evident in an epic meltdown last week in Chicago when he let a two-run lead slip into a 5-4 loss to the Cubs. He walked three batters, including one with the bases loaded that forced in the tying run. He then uncorked a wild pitch that scored the winning run.
"A.J.'s finger has been a little bit of an issue," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said Monday. "It seems to not be where he wants. He's been pitching in a little bit of pain. The day in Chicago had a lot to do with his finger."
Ramos bounced back to record a save Friday at Colorado with a scoreless ninth inning in which he allowed one hit. He has not been available since then, including in Monday's 8-7 loss to the Giants in 14 innings when the Marlins used every other relief pitcher and also had to use starter Andrew Cashner, who gave up the decisive hit the Brandon Crawford.
Cervenka made two appearances for the Marlins after being acquired Saturday from the Braves for two minor league prospects.
He tossed a 1-2-3 inning Sunday at Colorado. But Monday he gave up hits to all three batters he faced in the seventh inning, and they all scored during a five-run inning as the Giants turned a four-run deficit into a lead after Jose Fernandez had held them to one run for six innings.
To clear space on the roster, lefty reliever Cody Ege was designated for assignment.
