MIAMI -- Paul Lo Duca's second stint as a Marlin was a relatively short one. The 36-year-old catcher joined the club in August after he was released by the Nationals.

In all, Lo Duca appeared in 21 games with the Marlins, and was used primarily in a backup role to John Baker.

Now, it appears Lo Duca will move on, and on Thursday the veteran took his first step in testing the market. Lo Duca officially filed for free agency.

All pending free agents became eligible to file the day after the World Series ended.

The Marlins have three free agents: Lo Duca, lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes and outfielder Luis Gonzalez.

As of now, it appears doubtful the Marlins will bring any of the three back.

Lo Duca has expressed that he is interested in playing in 2009, rather than retiring.

His 2008 season was a frustrating one. He appeared in 46 games with the Nationals, and he missed more than a month because of a broken bone in his right hand.

A Marlin in 2004 and 2005, Lo Duca signed a Minor League contract with Florida on Aug. 8. After a week at Triple-A Albuquerque, he was added to the big league roster on Aug. 16.

Brought in to provide veteran leadership, Lo Duca was 10-for-34 (.294) for the Marlins after he batted .230 with the Nationals.

Lo Duca broke in with the Dodgers in 1998, and he has played in 1,082 career games.