Miami Marlins

With a .304 batting average in his first 79 at-bats, the Marlins have to be pleased with Marcell Ozuna's first month in the majors. Even with a potentially crowded outfield in the next few weeks, the Marlins seem committed to keeping the 22-year-old in the majors as long as he can hack it, regardless of any arbitration-related issues.

"If [Ozuna] wants to make the decision difficult for us, have at it," 'President of Baseball Operations  Larry Beinfest told the Sun-Sentinel Thursday. "If you're productive and doing the job, I don't see any reason why people can't stay. Now, people are going to say, 'Well, he's going to be Super Two.' Sure, we look at all that. I'm not going to say we don't because it matters. The other 29 teams do as well. If a player is doing it, he's going to make the decision tough for you.

Ozuna is currently playing right field, the position that injured slugger Giancarlo Stanton will fill when he gets healthy. With top prospect Christian Yelich pushing for a promotion from Double-A Jacksonville, the Marlins will have a crowded outfield on their hands sometime in June. According to two scouts, the Marlins' best defensive alignment in the outfield would include Ozuna in center field, a position he has yet to man in the majors after 38 games in the minors. 

Marlins manager Mike Redmond said Wednesday first baseman Joe Mahoney (hamstring) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A New Orleans Sunday, according to The Miami Herald. Mahoney has been sidelined since late April.

Marlins manager Mike Redmond said Wednesday first baseman Logan Morrison (knee) will continue rehabbing with Class A Jupiter before moving his rehab assignment to Double-A Jacksonville Monday, according to The Miami Herald. Morrison is batting .231 (3 for 13) with one RBI in three games for Jupiter.

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton took part in batting practice Wednesday for the first time since going on the disabled list. He took swings before the game, but it is not clear how extensive his participation was. He hopes to begin running next week as he continues to recover from a strained hamstring. 

Marlins starting pitcher Kevin Slowey had an initial examination from the team doctor after being pulled from Wednesday's start with a left lat strain, and he told the Sun-Sentinel the injury does not appear serious.

"I felt it the first couple of warm-ups and made the call," said Slowey. "Our doc already got his hands on me and felt it's not severe. It's not something he's worried about. Hopefully, it's more of a cramp than a strain."

Slowey is considered day-to-day but will likely receive further examination Thursday with the team off.