No significant new developments concerning Mike Stanton and his right quad injury. But he was walking on Monday, one day after sustaining the injury. Manager Edwin Rodriguez said they'll take no chances with the young outfielder and won't rush his return. Privately, the Marlins are happy that it was a quad injury, and not either a hamstring or calf.
Perhaps more significant was Rodriguez discussing Donnie Murphy and his unexpectedly quick recovery from the dislocated right wrist he injured last season. The Marlins didn't believe Murphy would be ready in time for the regular season. Now, they're beginning to think otherwise.
"We're all very surprised at how he has rehabbed his injury, and we are very positive about the whole situation," Rodriguez said. "There's some days, maybe twice a week, that he's not going to be swinging a bat, even if he's feeling better."
But Rodriguez described Murphy's progress as not only encouraging, but told reporters that he would like to have him on his Opening Day roster.
"We saw last year what he is capable of doing," Rodriguez said. "And, in my opinion, he has nothing to prove. We already know what he's able to do. Chances are, I would like to take him with us, Opening Day. But, having him and (Emilio) Bonifacio on the team. Bonifacio can cover all three outfield positions. He can play middle infield. And Murphy can cover three positions in the infield. LIke I said, it's too early, but if they stay healthy and everybody else stays healthy, chances are I would like to take those two players with me Opening Day."
The Marlins will likely have five bench spots. Two will go to Wes Helms and a backup catcher, with Brett Hayes being the frontrunner for that role at the moment. If Murphy and Bonifacio make the club, that would leave only one other spot, which will probably be given to a lefty swinging outfielder, the top contenders being Scott Cousins, Dewayne Wise and Bryan Petersen.
Rodriguez discusses Stanton in video below
Download your Florida Marlins iPhone App today!
Comments