Throwing difficult for Baker a day after collision

MIAMI -- One of the strange plays for the Marlins in their 4-3 win over the Phillies on Thursday afternoon left utility infielder Jeff Baker with a bruised right shoulder.

Baker, who started at first base, was shaken up on what should have been a routine comeback grounder off the bat of Domonic Brown.

Miami starter Henderson Alvarez made a nice play in the top of the seventh inning on Brown's sharply hit grounder. The pitcher lowered to gather the ball, but for some reason, he held onto the ball for an extra few seconds before firing the ball with some extra zip to Baker.

The throw dragged Baker off the bag and into Brown's running lane. The two collided, and Baker, who ended up tagging Brown out, feels fortunate he did not sustain a separated shoulder.

In the bottom of the inning, Baker singled and scored on Marcell Ozuna's home run. However, Baker's shoulder bothered him, and he was replaced by Garrett Jones in the top of the ninth.

"We've got to do a better job of fielding the ball and getting rid of it," manager Mike Redmond said. "It should never come to that where it's that close a play or somebody should get hurt on a comebacker. Henderson, I'm sure, understands that. Hopefully, that won't happen again."

Baker on Friday did not do any throwing in warmups.

Baker insists he will be fine and available, if needed. But he will most likely get a day or two to rest.

"I told Redmond in the eighth, 'I'm not going to be able to throw,'" Baker said. "I couldn't get my arm up over my head. I ended up coming out."

On Friday, Baker did take some swings in batting practice.

"I'll try to get the swelling out and be good to go," Baker said. "It's not going to be an issue."