Furcal experiences setback in rehab

NEW YORK -- A setback in Rafael Furcal's recovery has pushed back his possible return to the Marlins.

The Marlins announced on Sunday that they have returned Furcal from his rehab assignment, meaning it will be at least another week before he can get back into game action.

The 36-year-old strained his right groin on Friday night while playing for Double-A Jacksonville after opening the season on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

On Saturday the veteran did some baseball activities to test the groin. Rather than risk anything, the club shut him down.

Before Furcal is reinstated, the club wants him to play all nine innings of back-to-back games, but for now that's a ways away.

Once he is placed on rehab assignment again, he could have a maximum of 20 days to get ready.

Derek Dietrich has been handling a majority of the work at second base with Furcal on the DL.