Willingham hits in cage; taking BP tomorrow

[Hugg]

Josh Willingham continues to rehabilitate his back injury

The Marlins are going to keep taking a little-by-little approach with Josh Willingham.

The injured outfielder said Friday he was planning to take live batting practice with the team on Saturday before the second game of a four-game series against the Reds, but Willingham took 25 swings in the batting cages instead.

Willingham, who went on the 15-day disabled list on May 2 because of a bad back, had been taking part in soft-toss sessions and hitting off a tee since Monday. Saturday was the first time since the injury that he had hit overhand throws.

The 29-year-old left fielder said he'd like to be back by the All-Star break, but is just taking it one day at a time. He plans on taking live batting practice with the team on Sunday morning before the Marlins' afternoon game.

The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Willingham takes cuts in batting cage