Marlins may be locked into lineup early

JUPITER, Fla. -- Barring something unforeseen, the starting lineup on Sunday is what the Marlins project will be out there on Opening Day.

Aside from the designated hitter being used in Spring Training, there also is a strong likelihood the batting order was also intact.

The order was: Rafael Furcal (2B), Christian Yelich (LF), Giancarlo Stanton (RF), Garrett Jones (1B), Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C), Marcell Ozuna (CF), Casey McGehee (3B), Greg Dobbs (DH), Adeiny Hechavarria (SS).

"Going into Spring Training, I targeted right around this time to start ramping guys up, and getting them in there back-to-back days," manager Mike Redmond said. "We have quite a few new guys. I want guys to get a feel for playing together as soon as possible."

Spring Training was a week longer a year ago due to the World Baseball Classic, which gave players more opportunities for innings and at-bats.

"This year we don't really have that luxury," Redmond said. "I want guys to get in there, get comfortable, and get going as soon as we can."