Miami Marlins

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. 

Marlins pitcher Kevin Slowey was forced to leave Wednesday's start against the Phillies after five innings due to a strained left lat. Slowey was pulled from the game after warming up to begin the sixth.

He was replaced by Wade LeBlanc. Slowey held the Phillies to a run on six hits in five innings. He threw 69 pitches, 50 for strikes, while striking out six and walking none.

Slowey is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Rays, but that depends on the seriousness of the injury. He is listed as day-to-day.

Slowey lowered his ERA to 3.30 but left the game down 1-0.  

Just when the Marlins seemed to turn a corner with Jose Fernandez's workload, allowing him to throw 99 pitches last time out, they pulled him after 79 pitches Tuesday, equaling a season low.

It's not like Fernandez was pitching poorly. He had allowed just one run in five innings. But as colleague Al Melchior pointed out on Wednesday's Fantasy Baseball Today podcast, there were some extenuating circumstances. The Marlins sent in a pinch hitter for Fernandez with the tying run at third base in the bottom of the fifth inning. Most likely, if the bases were empty, they would have allowed Fernandez to pitch an extra inning.

Either way, I'm more encouraged by Fernandez's workload last time out than discouraged by his workload in this one. At least now we know the Marlins are willing to him push 100 pitches. If 85 pitches was a hard cutoff, he'd have a hard time making a signifiant Fantasy contribution.

Marlins pitcher Nate Eovaldi is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday, before beginning his minor-league rehab assignment with 60-65 pitches in a start at Class A Jupiter Saturday, according to manager Mike Redmond.

Eovlaldi has been on the 60-day disabled list since spring training due to shoulder inflammation.