Paulino is expected to share playing time with John Baker. Paulino was traded to the Phillies from Pittsburgh last Dec. 10 for catcher Jason Jaramillo. He had spent his entire career with the Pirates and hit .212 last year while being limited to 40 games because of a sprained ankle.

"He's guy that has some major league experience," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's got 1,000 at-bats or more in the major leagues, and with Baker being a left-handed hitter, Paulino (batting right) is a .355 career hitter against left-handed pitching, so it gives you some flexibility there if you want to give Baker an off day here or there and you have a guy with experience that can handle a pitching staff."

The Marlins optioned catchers Mike Rabelo and Brett Hayes to Triple-A New Orleans after acquiring Paulino.

The switch-hitting Rabelo was limited to 34 games last year because of injuries, but had been regarded by many as the front-runner for the backup catching spot this spring. He batted .227 in nine Grapefruit League games.

Hayes, a top prospect for the organization, was enjoying an impressive spring training, hitting .381 in 11 games and 21 at-bats.