Fernandez cautioned

Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond wants Jose Fernandez to tone down his exuberant behavior.

Redmond says the Atlanta Braves had a legitimate grievance with the rookie pitcher’s behavior in Wednesday’s game, which led to a bench-clearing confrontation.

The Braves were unhappy Fernandez stood at home plate admiring his home run, then spat toward the Braves’ Chris Johnson while rounding third base. The Braves also were annoyed after Fernandez reacted with a cocky grin when he gave up a homer to Evan Gattis, then stared toward the Braves bench at the end of the inning.

Even after emotions had settled Thursday, Redmond sided with the Braves.

“Jose is an emotional guy,” Redmond said. “That’s part of his game that is going to improve. We don’t want to take the ‘having fun’ aspect away from him. That’s what makes him him. But at the same time, I think maybe he can center that a little bit. … That might be a part of his game he needs to look at, and maybe try to do something different.”

After the game, Fernandez apologized for his behavior, and lost in the furor was another fine outing by the All-Star right-hander in his final start of the year. He allowed one run in seven innings to help Miami win 5-2. The 21-year-old Fernandez finished the year 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA, the second-lowest in the majors behind only the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw.

He struck out 187 in 172 2/3 innings, and won’t pitch again because the Marlins set a 170-inning limit for him this year.

After the game, a crestfallen Fernandez said he had gotten carried away amid the emotions of his final game. He sought out Braves catcher Brian McCann and Braves pitcher Mike Minor and apologized to them.

“I thought the way he handled it was perfect,” Redmond said.

Padres promote Hoffman to new role

The San Diego Padres have promoted Trevor Hoffman to upper-level pitching coordinator and special assistant to general manager Josh Byrnes.

Hoffman, the former star closer, will evaluate and help coordinate all pitchers at the Double-A, Triple-A and the big-league level.

Hoffman had been a special assistant to the president and CEO the last three years following his retirement in January 2011.

Hoffman’s 601 career saves, in 677 chances, are the second-most in major league history.