The Selma times-Journal

JUPITER, Fla. – Jai Miller was considered a dark horse to make the Florida Marlins’ major league roster this spring.

Now he is officially out of the running for an Opening Day spot.

Miller was one of four players sent down to the minors Monday as the team trimmed its roster in preparation for the start of the regular season.

“It was just like in the movies,” Miller said. “They call you in, talk to you and break everything down for you. I just didn’t get a whole lot of at-bats in big league camp. They wanted me to get more at-bats in minor league camp.”

In 10 games this spring, Miller was 0-for-10 with five strikeouts, three walks and two runs scored.

He was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque, along with right-handed pitchers Eulogio De La Cruz and Scott Nestor. Infielder Chris Coghlan was assigned to minor league camp.

Despite the demotion, Miller could still make the Marlins’ roster this season, possibly as a mid or late-season call-up. He is still on the 40-man roster, making him one of the first options if the team needs an injury replacement or when they expand their rosters in September.

“Just like any other athlete, you want to refine things, and you’ve got to push yourself,’ Miller said. “I know wherever I go, I’ve got to take care of business to make the decision-making process for them a little bit tougher. I’m on the roster, and getting on the roster is a big step.”