Medica was released by the Marlins Wednesday, Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

After spending the last two weeks in minor league camp, the Marlins were obviously not impressed enough to keep him with the organization. Given Medica's solid track record at the minor league level and relatively young age (27), he is likely to be picked up by another organization on a minor league deal.

Medica was reassigned to minor league camp Tuesday, Joe Frisario of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was a bit of a long-shot for Medica to make the roster after hitting a mere .259 last season with Triple-A El Paso and only hitting .167 in 13 plate appearances during spring training. He should get decent playing time at Triple-A given his power potential, but it'll be tough to climb back to the majors if he can't offset the low batting average with home runs.

Medica was outrighted to Triple-A New Orleans on Thursday, but he still holds an invite to the Marlins' major league spring training, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After going unclaimed on waivers, Medica will join the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate in New Orleans but he will have a chance to make the big league club out of spring training. Medica has put his best foot forward in previous spring training stints with the Padres and very nearly made their Opening Day roster a year ago, so he could be a sleeper to keep an eye on once camp opens.

Medica was designated for assignment by the Marlins on Wednesday, Joe Frisaro of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Medica joined the Marlins in September after being designated for assignment by the Padres in September, but will now go through the waiver process again following the team's signing of Chris Johnson on Wednesday. If he clears, the 27-year-old would no longer be part of the 40-man roster, and would likely be slated to begin the season in the minors.

Medica was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday, Corey Brock of MLB.com reports. Medica had been having a very strong showing in the spring -- which had been good enough to earn him a big league roster spot last season -- but will begin the season back in the minors. The 26-year-old should still be in line for a call up in the earlier part of the season, serving as a utility option at first base or in the outfield.

Medica is batting .500 with four home runs and 11 RBI through 30 at-bats this spring. Medica is best suited to play left field or first base, but the Padres have big money invested in their new outfield and a long list of players vying for time at first. Still, Medica was able to earn a roster spot coming out of camp last year due to an excellent spring. His .500 batting average and team-leading four home runs this spring give him a good shot at making the Opening Day roster this season, although it'll likely be in a utility capacity. One important development for Medica this spring has been a decrease in strikeouts. He struck out in nearly 30 percent of his 240 at-bats last season. This spring, he has scaled that number down to 20 percent and has struck out once in his last nine at bats.

Medica was 1-for-1 with a single and a walk Wednesday against Colorado. Much like last year, Medica is having a strong spring training. He has 12 hits in 22 AB's (.545 AVG) with two home runs and seven RBI.

Medica is 3-for-5 through San Diego's first two spring training games. Medica is vying for the first base spot with the big league club this spring, but has an uphill battle. All signs point to incumbent Yonder Alonso retaining the starting role barring an injury. Still, if Medica has a good spring this year like he did in 2014, he could earn himself a spot on the major league roster.

Medica is out of the lineup Thursday against the Giants, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Medica has made three straight starts in left field for manager Bud Black, but all three of those contests have been against left-handed pitching. With righty Yusmeiro Petit taking the hill Thursday for the opposing Giants, Black will instead get the left-handed bat of Smith back in the lineup.

Medica blasted a three-run homer, his ninth of the year, in a 2-for-3 effort Wednesday against the Rockies. The home run was only Medica's second since August 3. The 26-year-old is hitting just .219 over 137 at-bats dating back to July 1.