Iglesias working to regain timing at plate after week away

MIAMI -- Manager Jim Leyland spent the weekend series against the Marlins trying to get most of his regulars just enough playing time to keep their timing fresh at the plate, and he has been trying to play catch-up with Jose Iglesias after the shortstop missed a week with a bruised left hand.

Leyland's concern isn't Iglesias' fielding. It's his at-bats.

"He needs to play a little bit," Leyland said. "He needs at-bats."

So far it's been a work in progress. Iglesias went 0-for-4 on Friday and was discouraged by the soreness in his hand. He went 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a sacrifice bunt on Saturday, then had his hand wrapped for treatment.

"It's something that I've got to deal with," Iglesias said. "It's not good, but I've got to deal with it."

The key for Iglesias will be how well he can grip the bat. The stronger his hand gets, the better he'll be able to swing.