Stanton received plasma injection in hamstring

MIAMI -- To help the recovery process, Giancarlo Stanton received a platelet-rich plasma injection shortly after he strained his right hamstring late last month.

In recent years, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have become more popular in all sports.

Arizona outfielder Cody Ross, formerly with the Marlins, was on the ground floor of the PRP injections, receiving one during his days in South Florida. After being bothered by hamstring injuries in 2007, Ross had the PRP injection, and in 2008, he remained healthy and productive.

"It really helped with recovery," Ross said on Sunday.

The procedure basically is as follows: the patient's blood is drawn, and treated, and then injected back into the inflamed area. Carl Crawford received a PRP injection last year. Golfer Tiger Woods and NBA star Kobe Bryant also have had similar treatment.

Stanton, Miami's 23-year-old slugger, strained his right hamstring on April 29, and Sunday marked the 18th straight game the All-Star right fielder has missed.

Stanton said he was given a PRP injection in Miami a day or two after he sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

"It promotes recovery a little quicker, especially if there is a lot of inflammation in that area," Stanton said.

Stanton still remains several weeks away from returning. He is throwing, hitting and running on an anti-gravity treadmill.