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Stanton unlikely to return to Marlins this weekend

MIAMI -- The initial hope was for Giancarlo Stanton to be in the Marlins' lineup on Friday night in the series opener against the Mets at Marlins Park. Those plans changed when Stanton experienced some discomfort swinging the bat in a rehab-assignment game for Class A Advanced Jupiter on Tuesday. After the setback, the All-Star right fielder is listed as day to day.

Stanton has taken swings in recent days, but he is unlikely to be available for the weekend series against the Mets.

"It's day to day," manager Dan Jennings said. "It's just a matter of when the wrist and the soreness goes out of the hand. I think it's a plus that he went down to try the rehab start and test himself to see where he is."

Stanton broke the hamate bone in his left hand on June 26 and had surgery two days later.

Stanton told reporters on Tuesday that he didn't feel 100 percent. One problem he is dealing with is the overall strength of his hand.

With the Minor League seasons wrapping up in the next few days, Stanton won't have the opportunity to play in another rehab-assignment game. So when he is ready to return, he will progress by hitting off machines or playing in simulated games.

"It's just how much time it will take before he can come back and be as close to 100 percent at a comfort level in the strength of his hand and wrist," Jennings said.

Along with Stanton, Miami ace Jose Fernandez (right biceps strain) is on the disabled list. Fernandez is expected to throw in a simulated game in the next day or so. He could be reinstated in the middle of the month.

"When you don't have your best players on the field, you're disappointed," Jennings said. "But at the same time, you don't want to run the risk of injury that prolongs either the offseason or him coming back next year."

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro and listen to his podcast.
Read More: Miami Marlins, Giancarlo Stanton