MIAMI — Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton has been reinstated from the disabled list after missing five weeks with a strained hamstring and is in the starting lineup Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Stanton will hit third and play right field in his first game since April 29 against the New York Mets.
“I’m just happy that I’m finally here to contribute now,” Stanton said. “It’s been a long time.”
The 23-year old, who hit 37 home runs last season, has a .227 batting average with three home runs and nine RBIs in 20 games for Miami before missing 36 games due to the injury.
The Marlins have the worst record in baseball at 18-44.
“Some of those games, I don’t like to sit and watch,” Stanton said. “Well, all of them, but some are uglier than others. Like I said, I’m just glad I’m here.”
Miami first baseman Logan Morrison went 2 for 4 in his season debut on Sunday and is also in the starting lineup Monday against the Brewers.
To make room for Stanton, the Marlins placed first baseman Casey Kotchman (left oblique strain) on the 15-day disabled list. Miami also activated infielders Donovan Solano and Joe Mahoney from rehab and optioned them to Triple-A New Orleans.
