Coghlan optioned to New Orleans

SAN DIEGO — Before Chris Coghlan makes it back to the big leagues, the Marlins outfielder first will get some time playing at Triple-A New Orleans.

Coghlan has been on the disabled list since June 17 with left knee inflammation.

Of late, he has been on rehab assignment, playing Minor League games in Jupiter, Fla.

On Friday morning, the Marlins announced that Coghlan has returned from his rehab assignment. The 26-year-old has been reinstated from the disabled list, and optioned to Triple-A New Orleans.

Coghlan played in 10 rehab assignment games for the Class A Jupiter Hammerheads, where he batted .343 (12-for-35) with one double, two RBIs and four runs scored.

The Marlins Opening Day center fielder, Coghlan appeared in 65 games before going on the disabled list.  The 2009 National League Rookie of the Year is batting .230 with five homers and 22 RBIs in the big leagues this year.

– Joe Frisaro