MIAMI -- Some nagging injuries and even a spider bite has marred Cameron Maybin's season, but at last the 21-year-old center fielder has made it up to the big leagues.

Still regarded as the Marlins' center fielder of the future, Maybin was one of the centerpiece players in last December's trade that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to Detroit.

Maybin entered Spring Training with a chance to win a starting job. But the 6-foot-4 Asheville, N.C., native needed more seasoning, and he got it at Double-A Carolina. The Mudcats advanced to the Southern League championship, where they lost the decisive game to Mississippi on Saturday night.

Maybin batted .277 with 13 home runs, 49 RBIs and 21 stolen bases this season. In 390 at-bats, he struck out 124 times, but after the All-Star break, he struck out just 25 times in 84 at-bats.

Maybin also dealt with some minor physical setbacks, including a spider bite on his face that caused an allergic reaction.

"It was definitely painful," Maybin said. "Definitely not fun."

He's heard the jokes referring to him as "Spider Man."

"I've got some special powers now," Maybin quipped.

Maybin said the full year in the Minor Leagues helped him work on hitting offspeed pitches.

"I needed reps and at-bats, and that's what I got," Maybin said. "I think the more reps you get, regardless of where you are, it will help. You've got to go through it. I think it definitely helps."

Maybin has tremendous upside. He's athletic, has speed and power potential, and is a standout defensively.

From the start of Spring Training, the Marlins talked about promoting Maybin when he was ready. While he saw action in 24 games with the Tigers last season, he didn't have much Minor League experience before making the leap.

"What I'm trying to do is put the ball in play and give myself a chance," Maybin said.

The Marlins also selected the contract of Double-A first baseman Gaby Sanchez, a Miami native who attended the University of Miami, on Monday.

To make room for Sanchez on the 40-man roster, catcher Paul Hoover was designated for assignment.

"It's a dream come true," said Sanchez, who had 34 tickets for family members and friends on hand Tuesday. "It's something you work for your entire life. Now when you're here, it's still an eye opener. It hasn't hit me yet."

Sanchez was the Southern League MVP after batting .314 with 42 doubles, 17 home runs and 92 RBIs.