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After he was hit with a Mike Fiers fastball, it didn't appear likely Giancarlo Stanton would return to the Marlins in 2014. But according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, Stanton is having his stitches removed Tuesday and could return at some point before the end of the season.
Don't rule out a Giancarlo Stanton return just yet. The All-Star right fielder is scheduled to get his stitches removed on Tuesday, and undergo more tests. If there is any chance of a return to the lineup this season, more will be known then.
Stanton, who returned to Miami on Friday, remains upbeat after being hit in the face by a pitch. He's following the Marlins series at Philadelphia, and is on a diet of mostly soft foods.
Stanton was sent back to Miami after he got hurt, and received treatment for a facial laceration before having dental work. Miami's offense has missed Stanton's presence, as with the exception of Monday night, the team has struggled to score runs. Casey McGehee has been slotted into the three spot, with Marcell Ozuna hitting cleanup.
Miami's season ends against the Nationals on September 28, and getting Stanton back would be an advantage moving into the offseason. What initially appeared to be a notably serious injury was not as extreme as expected, which puts the Marlins in a better place as they try and construct their 2015 roster.
Before he went down, it was Stanton's goal to play in every game of the season, and until Friday night, that goal was a reality. The Marlins are going to wait for the results of several tests on Tuesday before determining whether Stanton will play again in 2014.
Stanton paces the National League in home runs (37) and RBIs (105).
"I know him," Redmond said. "Of course, he's going to want to come back and try to play, if he can, if it's a possibility. We don't really know if that is the case until probably Tuesday."
Miami wants to make sure all of the swelling on his face has gone down and that he is completely healthy before he steps into the box again. Stay tuned to Fish Stripes for the latest!