MILWAUKEE — Less than a year after suffering a devastating injury when he was hit in the face by a Mike Fiers fastball, Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton returned to Miller Park on Monday and took a big step forward in recovering from a hand injury.
Stanton faced live pitching before the game, a first for him as he works his way back from a fractured left hand that sent him to the disabled list in late June.
“He’s in a hitting progression,” Marlins manager Dan Jennings said. “He’ll start to hit off the machine and live batting practice. Then he’ll progress into probably a simulation game and one or two rehab games. Time for that is to be determined.”
The 25-year-old, who signed a 13-year, $325 million contract last winter, was leading Miami with 27 home runs and batting .265 with 67 RBIs and four stolen bases when he landed on the disabled list.
Miami would like to get him back before the end of the season but won’t rush the process.
“When he feels the strength is there, he’ll step on the accelerator,” Jennings said. “When he’s healthy, he’ll be back. I know he wants to finish on a positive note. I hope that can be sooner rather than later.”