Marlins’ Brinson demoted to Triple-A; Cooper reinstated

MIAMI (AP) — Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson has been optioned to Triple-A New Orleans, the latest setback for the team’s centerpiece in the Christian Yelich trade.

Brinson is hitting .197 with 28 strikeouts in 76 at-bats. He batted .199 last year in his first season with the Marlins and missed two months because of a hip injury.

Now 24, Brinson was a highly regarded prospect when acquired in the five-player trade that sent Yelich to the Milwaukee Brewers before the 2018 season.

The Marlins recalled from rehabilitation and reinstated outfielder Garrett Cooper from the 10-day injured list.

Cooper had been on the injured list since March 31 with a strained left calf. He played in three rehab games for Single-A Jupiter and went six for nine with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs.