Marlins monitoring injuries to double-play duo

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Marlins' double-play combination is in a wait-and-see situation with Opening Day five days away.

Second baseman Rafael Furcal (strained left hamstring) played five innings in a Minor League game at the Roger Dean Stadium complex in Jupiter, Fla., on Wednesday. And shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria is taking a few days to rest a tight groin.

Furcal hasn't played in a Grapefruit League game since March 15, and on Monday and Tuesday, he served as the designated hitter in Minor League games.

"We'll continue to see where he's at," manager Mike Redmond said. "This is the first time he's played defense. The last two days he's hit."

The Marlins open on Monday against the Rockies at Marlins Park, and the club is unclear if Furcal will be ready. Hechavarria, who left Monday's game early, is more hopeful of being ready.

On Wednesday against the Braves at Champion Stadium, Ed Lucas played shortstop and Jeff Baker was at second.

In Furcal's case, the team is seeing whether the 36-year-old will be ready or have to open the season on the disabled list. If he doesn't play in any of the final three Grapefruit League games, he would be eligible to open the season on the DL retroactive to March 21.

Should he be in the situation, he would be eligible to return as early as April 5, meaning he would miss just five games. Furcal has just 18 Grapefruit League at-bats, and he missed all of 2013 due to right elbow Tommy John surgery.

"We'll see how it goes and see how he feels," Redmond said. "He says he's feeling better, but at the end of the day, he just hasn't played that much."

Asked if there was any concern Hechavarria would not be ready for Opening Day, Redmond said: "Not right now."