MIAMI -- After going through some light drills on Friday, first baseman Justin Bour said he is hopeful of being reinstated from the disabled list at some point during the Marlins' 10-game homestand.
Nursing a high right ankle sprain, Bour has been on the DL since July 6. With his ankle taped, the left-handed-hitting first baseman fielded some grounders during batting practice, and he is tracking toward going on a Minor League rehab assignment early next week.
"I'm going to shoot for playing during this homestand at some point," Bour said.
The next couple of days will be telling as Bour increases his activities.
"[Thursday] was the first time I was able to run with minimal discomfort," Bour said. "We're just progressing as we can."
When cleared to play, Bour will likely play a couple of rehab games for Class A Advanced Jupiter.
"He kind of turned the corner the other day," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "He's able to do the agility of running without pain. If we're able to do that for two or three days, through the weekend, I would think early next week is something that is conceivable at this point."
With Bour out, Chris Johnson and Don Kelly have filled in at first base.
"It's tough to have a season where everyone is 100 percent," Bour said. "I think it is times like this when you see what a team has. Obviously, we have a lot of depth, and we've found a way to win games with guys being out."
Getting Bour back would provide another power threat to the lineup.
Bour is batting .268/.347/.526 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs.
"I'm hitting at 100 percent, there are no problems there," Bour said. "Not feeling any pain there. It's just a matter of getting me to where I need to be defensively and running. The deceleration, when running, is something we need to build up strength. I've been here every day since pretty much I got hurt.
"I'm ahead of schedule. Hopefully, get the OK [soon] to go ahead and start a rehab assignment."