Marlins in market for catching depth

VIERA, Fla. — The search has already begun.

The Marlins are in the market for a backup catcher, and they are exploring all avenues. The club is open to a trade, or seeing what options become available when rosters are trimmed.

Miami is in need of depth because Jeff Mathis suffered a broken collarbone after being clipped by a foul tip on Saturday.

Mathis is expected to be out six weeks. That’s just the recovery time for the bone to heal. For at least a month, he won’t be able to throw or swing a bat. So there is a chance Mathis won’t be game-ready until mid to late April.

Working in the Marlins’ favor is the fact the break early so early in camp.

In the next couple of weeks, the Marlins also will give a look to several in-house candidates.

Kyle Skipworth, a former first-round pick, is the closest internal choice to being big league ready.

– Joe Frisaro