Another setback for Furcal in recovery

MIAMI -- Another setback has taken place in Rafael Furcal's road to recovery.

The 36-year-old exited his rehab assignment in the fourth inning on Friday after aggravating his groin injury following his second at-bat.

For now, Furcal is day-to-day. He was starting his second rehab assignment stint on Friday with Double-A Jacksonville, and the plan was for him to play nine innings on Friday and Saturday for the Suns.

He exited after two at-bats.

"It's disappointing," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "It seems like it's been a challenge for him to get his legs under him."

Furcal opened the season on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain. But a week ago, while playing in a rehab game with Jacksonville, the second baseman strained his right groin.

Last weekend, he was returned from his assignment on Friday only to experience more discomfort.

Furcal was signed to play second base, and provide veteran leadership. But he injured his hamstring in Spring Training, and he has yet to play in a big league game.

"I felt like we were getting close," Redmond said. "It's too bad. I'm sure he's really disappointed because I know in talking to him he was excited to come back and help us out. We've got to get him healthy."