Yelich dealing with bulging disk in back

MIAMI -- An MRI revealed Marlins left fielder Christian Yelich has a bulging disk in his lower back. The 23-year-old is undergoing treatment, and remains confident he can be reinstated from the disabled list in early May.

Miami placed Yelich on the 15-day disabled list on Friday with a low back strain, retroactive to April 20. The earliest he can be activated is May 5.

Yelich described his condition as a "slight" bulging disk.

"I should be all right after a few days," Yelich said. "Just stay on it and take care of it, now that I know what it is."

Yelich had been dealing with back discomfort since April 12. He played on April 13 at Atlanta, but sat out the next two games, and he felt he made progress.

Yelich played in the four-game series at the Mets last weekend, but was not effective, going 2-for-18 with eight strikeouts.

The MRI was able to identify the problem.

"I didn't really know what it was, what was causing it," Yelich said. "I kind of had an idea. I got an MRI yesterday, and that kind of confirmed what everybody was thinking. Now I just have to stay on top of it, do some strength exercises and it should be fine."

Although Yelich is hopeful the 15 days will be all the rest he needs, the Marlins are being mindful not to rush anything.

They don't want the issue to linger or reoccur. So if he needs more time, he won't be rushed.

Yelich -- .200/.265/.222 with one double this year -- missed time last season with a low back strain. The left-handed-hitting outfielder was on the DL from June 16-19, 2014.

When he returned, he was healthy for the rest of the season.

With Yelich on the DL, Ichiro Suzuki has been playing regularly in left field.