After three seasons with the New York Mets, and a half season with the Washington Nationals, Paul Lo Duca returned to the Florida Marlins on Friday. The 36 year old catcher, who was cut by the Nationals after the trade deadline, signed a minor league contract with the Marlins and was to report to AAA Albuquerque.

Lo Duca was traded to the Florida Marlins in 2004 from the Los Angeles Dodgers, who in return received Brad Penny. Lo Duca played 2 seasons in Florida before being traded to the New York Mets after the 2005 season. Lo Duca adds depth, a big question mark for the Marlins, and brings with him a .286 career batting average.

Lo Duca however is 36 years old and is not exactly in his prime any longer. Lo Duca signed a lucrative free agent deal with the Nationals this season, only to miss 52 games with two separate hand injuries. Lo Duca bruised his right hand and then later broke his right hand. He eventually lost his starting job with the Nationals after batting .230 with 0 hrs and 12 RBIs this season and was cut.

While Lo Duca does add depth and bring experience behind the plate, he is not likely to play any vital role in the Marlins playoff push. In the end, the Marlins still haven’t adequately addressed their needs at the catching position. Lets keep our fingers crossed that Matt Treanor can play well through his injury and make it to the off season in one piece.