Big week coming up for injured Coghlan

MIAMI -- Early next week, Chris Coghlan will head to the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla., to continue his rehabilitation from a back injury.

But the big day for the Marlins' 28-year-old is Thursday, when he'll be re-evaluated by spine specialist Dr. Drew Dossett in Texas.

If cleared by Dossett, the Marlins will be free to set a date for Coghlan to begin rehab-assignment games.

"I am very excited that I am not going to miss the rest of the season," Coghlan said.

Coghlan was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 9, with what initially was called right calf nerve irritation. The injury, however, is mostly related to his back.

"I feel great," Coghlan said. "Now it's a matter of getting in baseball shape."

Coghlan did some running on Friday afternoon, and has been fielding ground balls and throwing. He is easing back into hitting.