Furcal could make Marlins debut this weekend

ARLINGTON -- After a successful rehab assignment stint in recent days with Double-A Jacksonville, Rafael Furcal is returning to Class A Jupiter to play in a few more games.

The Marlins aren't saying exactly when Furcal is scheduled to come off the disabled list. Indications are it will be soon.

Furcal, who has been on the disabled list all season, played five straight games with Double-A Jacksonville, going 6-for-20 in the stretch.

The 36-year-old infielder's legs are holding up nicely, and the Marlins could reinstate him as early as Friday for the start of the homestand against the Pirates.

"I don't know when that day is coming, but it is probably coming soon," Miami manager Mike Redmond said. "It was coming soon about a month ago, too, and it didn't. I think it's safe to say coming soon."

Furcal strained his left hamstring in Spring Training, which is why he was initially placed on the DL. But on rehab assignment in late April, he strained his right groin.

Miami signed Furcal as a free agent to be their leadoff hitter and regular second baseman. Left fielder Christian Yelich has served as Miami's top-of-the-order hitter.

"The thought was initially when the season started that he was going to be our leadoff guy and play second every day," Redmond said of Furcal. "Here we are on June 10 and he hasn't played a game yet."