Stanton sees specialist for 'final check'

NEW YORK -- Before Giancarlo Stanton returns to action, the Marlins' All-Star right fielder on Tuesday went to see a hand specialist in New York to get a better indication of when exactly he might come off the disabled list.

There still isn't a firm date on when Stanton will be in the lineup. It could be during the second leg of the road trip, which begins Thursday at Washington.

Stanton (fractured left hamate bone), shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria (left hamstring) and reliever Carter Capps (right elbow strain) are all tracking toward returning perhaps against the Nationals.

Stanton, who broke the bone in his hand June 26, took batting practice on the field at Citi Field on Monday. He wasn't with the team pregame Tuesday.

"He is going to get a second opinion," manager Dan Jennings said. "It was great to see him on the field [Monday]. He was very impressive. Now, hopefully, we will get a final answer today, and we can look to try to find that date when he can come back."

Jennings reminded there is "no speculative date."

Stanton had surgery on the hand June 28, and it has been a process to get the strength back in his pinkie and ring finger.

To make sure there are no last-minute issues, Stanton wanted to see a specialist one more time.

"He wanted one final test on it," Jennings said. "One final check."

Hechavarria, who tweaked his hamstring at Atlanta on Sept. 2, technically isn't on the disabled list. So he could return whenever he feels ready to go.

Video: MIA@ATL: Hechavarria comes up lame on bunt single

The shortstop continues to run, hit and field in batting practice.

"Now, the two areas of concern are the quick burst of speed, and running at full speed," Jennings said. "He's tested it. It's gotten a little better each day. We're still not at that point where he can go full tilt. But we're moving in that direction. He's taking BP. He's doing all of those things."

Capps has been on the DL since Aug. 3. Friday in Washington, he is scheduled to pitch in a simulated game.

If that goes without an issue, he could return perhaps as early at Sunday.

"It depends how he handles this test," Jennings said. "Hechy, Capps and Stanton, they're moving closer in a big hurry. The exact date on that, I don't know there is one. I can tell you they are moving rapidly in that direction."