Finally, a dose of positive news for the Fish.
Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t appeared in a game since September 16 and is not in action Tuesday evening because of an intercostal muscle strain, but the 22-year-old outfielder told Joe Capozzi of the Palm Beach Post that he is “optimistic” that he’ll be able to return to the lineup Wednesday.
Stanton is hitting .283/.354/.595 with 34 home runs and 84 RBI through 117 games played this season. His OPS of .949 ranks fourth in the majors — tied with American League MVP hopeful Mike Trout.
Miami entered play Tuesday with a 66-87 record, ranking fifth in the five-team AL East.