DENVER -- Emilio Bonifacio and Justin Ruggiano return to the lineup today as the Marlins shoot for their first three-game winning streak since the All-Star break. Bonifacio, as well as Donnie Murphy, were activated from the disabled list, as expected, and were immediately inserted into the lineup. To make room, outfielder Scott Cousins was optioned to Triple A New Orleans and infielder Gil Velazquez was designated for assignment.
Here's how the lineup looks:
1. Bonifacio, cf; 2. Ruggiano, lf; 3. Jose Reyes, ss; 4. Carlos Lee, 1b; 5. Giancarlo Stanton, rf; 6. Murphy, 3b; 7. John Buck, c; 8. Donovan Solano, 2b; 9. Josh Johnson, p.
Stanton will be bidding to equal a major league record this afternoon when he tries to become the third player in history -- joining Roy Campanella and Willie Mays -- to homer in seven straight games at one park. Campanella hit in seven straight at Ebbets Field in 1955. Willie Mays equaled the feat in 1965 at Candlestick Park.
Stanton has hit in six straight at Coors Field. The "true distance" of Stanton's home run last night was measured by ESPN Home Run Tracker at 465 feet, making it the 13th longest homer of the season in the majors. Stanton hit a 494-foot shot the night before that was the longest in three seasons. Stanton has hit seven home runs this season of 450 feet or longer. Miguel Cabrera is next on the list with three.
