Stanton could return by next Friday
MIAMI -- A timeline has been established as to when Giancarlo Stanton may be back in the Marlins' lineup. The All-Star right fielder says he is hopeful to be back in about a week and a half, which means unofficially it could be the Sept. 4 series opener against the Mets at Marlins Park.
The Marlins reinstated left fielder Christian Yelich on Tuesday while placing right-hander Kendry Flores (right shoulder tendinitis) on the disabled list. The hope is to have Stanton, Yelich and most of the regulars back for the final month of the season.
"I'm feeling good," Stanton said. "I'd say I'm still about a week and a half [away]."
Stanton broke the hamate bone in his left hand on June 26, and he underwent surgery two days later. He's been taking swings every day off the pitching machine.
Stanton says he doesn't plan on playing in any rehab-assignment games before getting back in the lineup.
"I'm getting my timing and I'm almost to where I want to feel," Stanton said. "So that's what the ideal timetable would be."
Stanton, the National League Player of the Month in June, was leading the Majors in home runs (27) and RBIs (67) when he was hurt. For the season, his slash line is .265/.346/.606.
In June he hit .344 with 12 homers, but sustained his injury on a forceful swing.
"I know he's been progressing in a good way," manager Dan Jennings said. "I had a good visit with him [Monday]. He told me he was feeling stronger, didn't feel it when he turned his wrist. That's a good sign.
"If we can get these guys together and have a month of health, it could be some fun and maybe we can be a spoiler in some ways."
The Marlins are aiming to have their Opening Day starting outfield together for September. It's been a struggle. Yelich missed the past 15 days due to a bruised right knee, and Marcell Ozuna struggled in the first half before spending about five weeks at Triple-A New Orleans.
"We'll get a good 20-25 games together, so that'll be nice for us all," Stanton said.
One reason Stanton is shying away from a rehab-assignment stint is because the Minor League seasons will be wrapping up in early September.
"I don't have much time to do that, to be honest, for their schedule and for ours," Stanton said. "Hopefully my timing will be there and we'll go from there."