Motivated to return, Stanton seeks more to do

MIAMI -- Giancarlo Stanton's return to the Marlins may be in question, but the right fielder is eager to get back on the field.

Stanton, on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain, is pressing on in rehab despite knee soreness. Manager Mike Redmond said the right fielder will soon add shagging fly balls to a daily routine that already includes batting practice, playing catch and light running.

"I know he wants to play," Redmond said. "I know he's been frustrated being down for so long. He knows how important he is to our lineup, to us getting this thing turned around. He's doing everything he can do right now."

Stanton went on the DL on April 30 with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The offense has labored in his absence.

The Marlins have batted .223 with only 15 home runs in 28 games since Stanton went down. Stanton alone homered 12 times in 29 games last May.

Rookie Marcell Ozuna -- Stanton's replacement in right field -- has been one of few bright spots for Miami. Ozuna brought a 15-game hitting streak into Friday night's game against the Mets at Marlins Park.

Ozuna's streak is the longest active streak in the Majors and tied with Chuck Carr for the second-longest hitting streak by a Marlins rookie in franchise history.

Despite the lineup's offensive woes, Miami does not want to rush the slugger's return. Redmond said the team will wait until Stanton decides he is ready to return to game action.

"He's got to feel that he's 100 percent and that he can go out there and be able to play for the long haul," Redmond said. "We want him to feel good enough where he can go out there and play for the rest of the year."