NL East Notes: Giancarlo Stanton Hopes to Return by the End of the Season

It's possible Stanton could make it back for the final few games of the regular season and playoffs, according to Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald. For now, Stanton is on a treatment program of rest and light exercise. Eventually, he’ll step it up a notch, trying to strengthen the area so that he can jog and run.

The Marlins were a surprise early this year because they sat in or around a wild card spot while getting sub par offense from Stanton. However, after the All-Star break, and a dominant home run derby performance, Stanton started to turn it around. He hit .305 in July and .275 in the entire second half.

The Marlins now again have to rely on Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich, and Martin Prado. The return of Dee Gordon has helped give the offense a boost as well, but the losses of Justin Bour and Derek Dietrich hurt. Stanton’s replacement is average at best, as the Marlins seem to be going with Jeff Francoeur and Ichiro with Cole Gillespie possibly seeing some time.

News from around the NL East

Phillies trade Carlos Ruiz to the Dodgers, call up prospect Jorge Alfaro

Nationals' Trea Turner is tearing it up in the leadoff spot

Mets will start Rafael Montero in place of Jacob DeGrom

Talking Chop examines the future in a minor league recap