Kotchman takes part in simulated game

VIERA, Fla. -- Before the Marlins faced the Nationals in Viera on Sunday, several players remained back at the Roger Dean Stadium complex to take part in simulated games.

First baseman Casey Kotchman was one of them.

Kotchman, who received four stitches to his left ring finger last Monday, took some at-bats for the first time in six days.

The veteran first baseman sliced his finger after colliding with the machine that flipped infield pop ups in a drill.

"Kotchman, he's progressing," manager Mike Redmond said. "He threw and he hit. He had a couple of at-bats in a simulated game today. He swung the bat. It's kind of on him when he feels ready to go out and play in a game. He's [moving] pretty quickly for a guy who had four stitches in his hand.

Redmond expects Kotchman could be in games soon.