Miami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton hit by pitch in intrasquad contest

JUPITER -- Giancarlo Stanton did not touch Henderson Alvarez's fastball on Saturday morning. Miami played its first intrasquad game of the spring, and Alvarez hit Stanton on the hip after attempting to throw a fastball inside. The pair subsequently laughed and shook hands, as Stanton faced live pitching for the first time since last September.

Manager Mike Redmond said Stanton is healthy, "handled it fine and moved on."

"The good thing is he turned the right way," Redmond said. "Probably better to get it out of the way now. I know that has kind of been in all the pitchers' minds when he steps in there."

Stanton, who earned a 13-year, $325 million contract in November, has consistently said he is healthy this spring. Redmond noted that Stanton looked comfortable on Saturday and "his [batting practices] have been good."

"He looks great," Redmond said of Stanton. "His swings, his approach, his at-bats. He looks totally comfortable. This guy is a competitor."

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-Miami made several moves this offseason, including signing Michael Morse and trading for Mat Latos, Martin Prado, Dan Haren, and Dee Gordon. Overall, Redmond is looking forward to seeing the team grow as a unit.

"Chemistry is not something that can happen over night," Redmond said. "It takes time. The one thing I love about spring training is that you have meetings in the morning, and you can joke around with the guys and have fun. Just them being together and spending time with each other is what creates the chemistry."

-The Marlins added several veterans to their clubhouse this offseason, however Redmond said it is too early to tell who has stepped up and stuck out.

"I evaluate when the games start," Redmond said. "Due to the rain, we've had to make some adjustments. Guys are working hard. They're having fun and supporting each other and that's important."

-Ichiro Suzuki led off one of two intrasquad games with a single. Redmond is confident he will produce as spring games begin on Monday.

"Ichiro's prepared," Redmond said. "He can fall out of bed and get a hit. He gives himself a chance to get hits. He gives you quality at-bats."