ATLANTA -- Giancarlo Stanton's pursuit of 60 home runs has been put on hold for now, as the Marlins All-Star right fielder was not in the starting lineup on Friday against the Braves at SunTrust Park.
Manager Don Mattingly said Stanton just needs a breather, and baseball's Major League leader in home runs with 53 had a rare day off as the club welcomed back first baseman Justin Bour.
Bour had been on the disabled list since July 25 with a right oblique strain. The left-handed-hitting first baseman, who has 21 homers, returned from his rehab assignment with Double-A Jacksonville.
Stanton has been on a remarkable home run stretch, having connected on 32 home runs with 62 RBIs since July 5.
"He's fine," Mattingly said. "I'm just giving him a day. I've been trying to give him a day. He's been fighting me, and wanting to keep going. He's a little beaten up right now, as far as being out there every day. You see his movements seem to be a little [sluggish]. You see the strain. We'll see where he's at tomorrow."
A frontrunner for National League MVP, Stanton has been in a slump of late. Since Aug. 28, he's 4-for-39 (.103) with three home runs and four RBIs.
Ichiro Suzuki made his 18th start on Friday, getting the nod in right field.
Bour, meanwhile, is expected to be back regularly at first base. He batted fifth on Friday.

"My body feels good," Bour said. "I'm ready to help this team toward the end of the season."
Bour spent the past two nights playing for Jacksonville in the Southern League playoffs against Pensacola.
"I've been antsy to get back," Bour said. "I'm glad to finally be here."
Bour provides a left-handed power threat.
"That's one thing he is, is dangerous," Mattingly said. "He's kind of showed that over the last couple of seasons. When he's in there, he's a dangerous guy. He can hit the ball out of the ballpark pretty much anywhere off anybody."