Called up from Triple-A Albuquerque, the 24-year-old Carroll is making his Major League debut as the Marlins' starting center fielder. The 6-foot, 190-pounder had his name on the lineup card for Florida's series finale with the Royals on Sunday.

A 10th-round pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Carroll has played in Spring Training games for the Marlins. Now, he is getting his big-league break, and the Knoxville, Tenn., native soon will have plenty of family support on hand to watch him play.

"We're going to give him an opportunity," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "He's here to play."

Regarded as having the strongest throwing arm of any prospect in the Minor League system, Carroll primarily has played right field, but he gives the option to also play center and left.

"This is a great opportunity, and I'm looking forward to it," said Carroll, who combined to bat .288 with nine homers and 40 RBIs for Double-A Carolina and Albuquerque. "I'm looking forward to the challenge. In Spring Training, I just had to pay my time and make the best of it. There are a lot of great players in the organization. I feel fortunate to have this opportunity."

Carroll comes from a diverse family.

His younger brother, Chase, is a golfer at Tusculum College in Greenville, Tenn. Established in 1794, Tusculum is the oldest college in Tennessee. This weekend, Carroll's mother is in Birmingham, Ala., watching Chase compete in a tournament.

"My mom was trying to yell, but she couldn't do that with the common courtesy of golf," Brett said of his conversation with his mom.

His older brother, Brandon, works in the movie business and lives Los Angeles. He's been involved in films that have featured Tom Hanks and George Clooney.

"My older brother works in the movie production business in L.A.," Brett said. "He works on movie sets and behind the scenes."

When the Marlins take on the White Sox in Chicago beginning Monday, Carroll hopes to have his family at the game. Laura, stepfather Chuck, and Chase are committed to being there. If Brandon can arrange travel plans, he also could be in attendance.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.