JUPITER, Fla. — One of baseball’s top prospects, center fielder Cameron Maybin, recently was optioned by the Florida Marlins to the Double-A Carolina Mudcats, where he will begin the season.

Maybin, a former standout at Roberson High in Asheville, N.C., went hitless in his final 18 at-bats in preseason play with the Marlins. He finished the spring with a .190 batting average, three home runs and eight RBIs.

The announcement of Maybin’s demotion followed his 0-for-5 performance during Florida’s 10-10 tie with the Houston Astros in 10 innings on March 24. Team officials said he needed some extra at-bats in the minor leagues.