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Marlins’ slugger Giancarlo Stanton is uncertain about return

By Ted Fleming

Aug 8, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) makes a catch during the 10th inning against the San Francisco Giants at Marlins Park. The Giants won 8-7 in 14 innings. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) makes a catch during the 10th inning against the San Francisco Giants at Marlins Park. The Giants won 8-7 in 14 innings. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Marlins may be holding a wait and see attitude with Giancarlo Stanton, but the right fielder seems to be the one who will make the final determination.

The Miami Marlins do not need any more bad news. They are seven games behind the division-leading Nationals, a game and a half out of the second Wild Card slot and they’re trying to make the postseason without their slugging outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.

Now, in a report by CBS Sports, the injured star has some reservations about returning to the lineup before the season ends.

The 26-year-old was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 14 with a Grade 3 groin strain and the original belief was that he wouldn’t be back. However, the Marlins have backed away from that assessment with president of baseball operations Michael Hill saying, “He’s going to be back. He’s told me he’s going to be back. He’s going to help this team get into October and help us get through October.”

That statement was made four days ago.

Stanton wasn’t exactly lighting it up this season with .244/.329/.496 splits, although he still had 25 homers and 70 RBI in 103 games. His OPS is .826, which, if he doesn’t return, will be the lowest of his seven-year career.

The Marlins picked up LF Jeff Francoeur from the Braves for the stretch run and they have Ichiro Suzuki to help out, but if Stanton does not make it back, making the postseason would be a stretch for manager Don Mattingly, who is in his first season with the Marlins.

There is also the issue of whether Miami can stay relevant enough for Stanton to attempt a comeback. If there is still a chance to overtake the Cardinals or Giants, his rehab will be monitored more closely by the club, even though he might have the final decision. If not, he will probably be shut down.

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Maybe the more obvious question should be, with just 36 games left in the season, why put Stanton in the position of making that choice? As a player who knows his own body, if he decides it is not worth it, some would say he is dogging it. If he comes back too soon and hurts himself more severely, could the lingering effects, or even surgery, create an issue for the 2017 season?

Not an easy choice for the team or player.

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