Willingham Rehab Starts Tomorrow; Anibal, Mitre throwing

[Hugg]

Sergio Mitre, who has been out since Spring Training, threw 30 pitches Tuesday

Before the rest of the team was on the field taking batting practice on Tuesday afternoon, Josh Willingham was already running the bases and fielding balls in the outfield at Dolphin Stadium.

Yet another benchmark in his road to recovery from a strained lower back was reached, so the next step is game action.

On Wednesday, Willingham is scheduled to play in an extended spring game at the Marlins' complex in Jupiter, Fla. On the disabled list since May 2, retroactive to April 28, the 29-year-old left fielder could be back with the big league club in about two weeks.

"I ran the bases, and the next step is a game [Wednesday] in Jupiter," Willingham said.

In extended spring action, players can lead off in every inning. So the plan is to get Willingham about five at-bats, pretty much leading off every frame.

If all goes well for a game or two in Jupiter, Willingham will head for rehab assignments with Double-A Carolina on Friday.

From there, Willingham could be about 15-20 at-bats away from being back in game shape to rejoin the Marlins, perhaps by June 24 when the Rays are in South Florida.

Getting Willingham ready will come in stages. The team's primary cleanup hitter likely will play five innings on Friday, seven frames on Saturday before getting a day as a designated hitter on Sunday.

"I'm going to say, if everything goes good and he reacts good, maybe two weeks," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Hammer [Willingham] came out, took some fly balls, he ran the bases. Other than when he was winded, which is expected because he hasn't done much in 30 days, he was fine."

In other injury-related news, Anibal Sanchez (right shoulder surgery) threw 40 pitches off the mound on Tuesday. Josh Johnson (Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery) is slated to throw 70-75 pitches in an extended spring game on Saturday.

Sergio Mitre (right forearm strain) threw 30 pitches off the mound on Tuesday.

Outfielder Brett Carroll (right shoulder sprain) is doing range of motion and strengthening drills. Outfielder Alejandro De Aza (left ankle sprain) is on no-run status for three days.

Reliever Henry Owens (right shoulder surgery) is doing strengthening exercises.

The Official Site of Major League Baseball: News: Willingham ready for rehab stint

[Juanky]

That's such a long list.

But it's good to see the big guns are on the way back. If we can be within a few games while they're getting the swing of things, that's like a nice trade.

[BeefWillingham]

Probably better than a nice trace. I cant imagine there will be many pitchers available that can be as good as JJ. Anibal too.