Furcal strains groin; Marlins hopeful it's not serious

NEW YORK -- Just when it looked as if Rafael Furcal was getting back into form, the veteran infielder suffered a setback on Friday night. The Marlins second baseman was removed from a rehab-assignment game with Double-A Jacksonville because of a right groin strain.

The Marlins are hopeful the ailment isn't serious and that it won't keep the veteran infielder out of action long.

"He came out of the game last night," Marlins manager Mike Redmond said. "He's been evaluated. He's going through baseball activities now to get a feel for where he is at. We'll see if he is ready to play in the game tomorrow."

Best-case scenario is Furcal getting back into a game on Sunday and then continuing his rehab assignment. Projected as Miami's regular second baseman, Furcal opened the season on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

Furcal was 2-for-2 on Friday, but he felt some discomfort while running the bases. As a precaution he was replaced.

In four games with Jacksonville, Furcal is 4-for-15 (.267). The infielder began his rehab assignment at Class A Jupiter, where he hit .235.