JUPITER, FLA. (AP) - The Florida Marlins expect injured slugger Mike Stanton to be ready for the start of the regular season, but his next spring training game may be more than 10 days away.
The right fielder has been sidelined since straining his right quadriceps in the Marlins’ exhibition opener Feb. 27. He started jogging and taking batting practice this week, but manager Edwin Rodriguez said Wednesday he’d be surprised to see Stanton back in the lineup next week.
Stanton will likely play in minor league spring-training games before rejoining the Marlins, Rodriguez said. Stanton said his thigh is making steady progress, but he’s not running yet.
He’s projected to be the Marlins’ cleanup hitter this season.
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