BALTIMORE -- In sweeping the Blue Jays over the weekend, the Marlins clearly felt comfortable playing by National League rules.

Now, as the road team in Interleague Play, the Marlins are playing by different guidelines in the next six games.

Tuesday opened a three-game series in Baltimore, and this weekend, the Marlins play three times at Yankee Stadium.

Manager Joe Girardi says there is a distinct advantage for the home team in Interleague Play. The designated hitters are used in American League parks, while pitchers hit in the National League buildings.

"I think it's a clear advantage," Girardi said Tuesday afternoon. "They have DHs who are used to DHing. We have guys used to running out there, playing defense, and then coming in to hit. I think it's a different mindset."

Girardi used Joe Borchard as the DH on Tuesday because the switch-hitter formerly played in the American League with the White Sox and Mariners. He knows the designated hitter routine.

During the road trip, it is likely that Mike Jacobs, Miguel Cabrera and Dan Uggla could be used as a DH. Girardi is taking it game by game.

Overall, the two leagues play different brands of baseball.

"It's different because you don't have to worry about pinch-hitting for your pitcher if you get down early," Girardi said. "I think sometimes in Interleague Play, it's an advantage to whoever is home. In the American League, you're not used to your pitcher hitting. And if you're a National League team, you're not used to having a DH very often.

"It's a different game. As a manager, you think differently. You don't have to worry about changing pitchers if you are down."

Fulchino added: On Tuesday, it was made official that right-hander Jeff Fulchino had his contract purchased. Wearing No. 54, the right-hander becomes the 19th rookie to suit up for the Marlins this season.

A starter for Triple-A Albuquerque, Fulchino was 2-4 with a 3.91 ERA in 13 games. He's already logged 73 2/3 innings, striking out 56 while walking 27.

An eighth-round pick in 2001, Fulchino will fill a long relief role with the Marlins.

Word that he was getting brought up came as a "complete shock," said Fulchino, who is from Hollis, N.H. Fulchino, who attended the University of Connecticut, says his family is making arrangements to see him play this weekend when the Marlins face the Yankees in New York.

"I didn't even know we had a roster spot open," Fulchino said. "I knew I was pitching well. I was just trying to continue what I was doing down there in Albuquerque."

After Sunday's game, right-hander Yusmeiro Petit was optioned to Triple-A. Petit was used sparingly in long relief for the Marlins, and the club wants him to get steady work, so he will step into the Isotopes' rotation.

Fulchino last pitched on June 16, a no-decision at Iowa. So he is available if needed.

Petit is one of the team's promising pitching prospects. But he wasn't getting much work, so he was sent down and is slated to make a start on Wednesday. In seven big-league games, the right-hander was 0-1 with a 7.36 ERA. But he logged 11 innings total.

"He was not getting any innings up here, and it was not fair to him," Girardi said. "We want him to progress at the normal rate, and it's hard to progress when you're not pitching."

Abercrombie close: Alfredo Amezaga made his eighth straight start in center field on Tuesday, but Girardi said Reggie Abercrombie is close to returning to the lineup.

A utility middle infielder, Amezaga has been handling center field as Abercrombie works out the kinks in his swing.

The Marlins are evaluating Abercrombie to see if he indeed can be the center fielder of the future. The rookie has tremendous athleticism, speed and power. But in 56 games, he is batting .219 over 169 at-bats, with 58 strikeouts. He has worked extensively in the batting cages, making adjustments in hopes of cutting down strikeouts while not chasing pitches out of the zone.

"I see improvements in his swing," Girardi said. "He will be back in there soon."

Willingham rehabbing: Josh Willingham is spending Tuesday and Wednesday playing rehab assignments for Double-A Albuquerque.

If his sprained left hand isn't bothering him over those two games, he is expected to be activated off the disabled list on Thursday for the series finale with the Orioles.

Willingham went on the disabled list June 14, retroactive to June 7 with the hand injury. Thursday is the first day he is eligible to come off the DL.

Coming up: In the second game of the series at 7:05 ET on Wednesday night, Ricky Nolasco (5-3, 3.06) takes the mound against left-hander Erik Bedard (6-6, 5.60).