Rabelo's Status for Opener Uncertain

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Rabelo's status for opener uncertain
03/18/2008 3:23 PM ET
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

JUPITER, Fla. -- A couple of projected Marlins regulars are currently resting nagging injuries.

Switch-hitting catcher Mike Rabelo injured his left leg during a collision at home plate with Austin Kearns of the Nationals on on Thursday in Viera, Fla. The 28-year-old Rabelo, who is battling Matt Treanor for the starting position, had an MRI on his knee and hip, and is unsure if he will be ready for the March 31 opener against the Mets at Dolphin Stadium. The MRI revealed Rabelo has a left knee sprain, and he will continue his treatment program.

Indications now are that Rabelo won't be in the starting lineup for the opener because he feels he may not get back in game until the Marlins face the Yankees in their final Spring Training game, on March 29 at Dolphin Stadium.

Right fielder Jeremy Hermida has a mild left hamstring strain, sustained on Saturday against the Orioles in Jupiter. Hermida, who is hitting in the cage, is confident he will be ready for the season opener.

Rabelo said he hopes to resume baseball activities this weekend.

"I'd like to be in their on Opening Day [lineup], but who knows?" Rabelo said. "Whenever I am back, I'm going to be going 100 percent. I want to be in uniform on Opening Day."

Complicating the catcher position is the fact that Treanor also is resting an injury.

The 32-year-old suffered cramping in his left calf muscle. He may be back in the lineup as early as Thursday.

On Tuesday morning, he was doing a series of running drills to test his leg.

"Our catchers, they're banged up," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Rabelo may be a little longer."

Rabelo had his whole left leg tangled up on the play at the plate with Kearns. Rabelo's left ankle grabbed and experienced a pull on his knee, and his hip also buckled.

The MRI results are to see if there is any damage to either the knee or hip. He says he is feeling a bit better right now, but will know more after consulting with the doctor on Tuesday afternoon.

Rabelo has appeared in nine spring games with 23 at-bats.

The Marlins acquired Rabelo from the Tigers as part of the Dontrelle Willis-Miguel Cabrera trade in December.

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The Marlins plan on carrying two catchers, but they may have to reconsider if both are still suffering from aches and pains. Paul Hoover and John Baker, both projected to begin the season at Triple-A Albuquerque, may now be looked at as more serious possibilities to make the team.

Hermida, meanwhile, aggravated his left hamstring three days ago.

"It grabbed a little bit in there," said Hermida, who projects to bat third in the order. "I don't think it's too bad."

Hermida has had 36 at-bats, and on Tuesday morning, he was taking swings in the batting cage.

For now, he is getting treatment, and he's optimistic about having a quick recovery.

Asked if it would prevent him from being in the Opening Day lineup, he said: "I'd like to think not. I've made some strides these last few days, and I'm being positive about it."

With Hermida resting, the Marlins are getting a longer look at Brett Carroll in right field. Luis Gonzalez, better suited for left field, also has had some action in right field.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Poor Mike...hope he heals quickly.

03/22/2008 8:04 PM ET
Rabelo's return still up in the air
Marlins must decide if catcher is candidate for retroactive DL
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- If all goes well, Mike Rabelo could be playing in a Minor League game by the middle of next week. Still, it is questionable if he will be ready for the season opener.

"Right now, I'm optimistic that he can start with us," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said on Saturday morning.

Rabelo has not played since he sprained his left knee and bruised his left hip during a nasty collision at home plate on March 13 against the Nationals. On the play, Washington's Austin Kearns crashed into Rabelo's left leg, causing his ankle to catch, while his knee and hip were also jarred.

In all, Rabelo has appeared in nine Grapefruit League games, notching 26 at-bats. Once he returns to action, the Marlins likely will play Rabelo in a Minor League game to protect themselves in case he has to open the season on the disabled list.

Technically, the Marlins could place Rabelo -- or any player with a current ailment -- on the disabled list retroactive to March 21. The earliest he would then be eligible to play would be April 5, which would be the Marlins' fifth game.

However, if Rabelo were to play in an big league exhibition game before the March 31 season opener, he couldn't be placed on the DL retroactive to March 21.

Rabelo and Matt Treanor, who has also been banged up with a left calf muscle pull, are expected to split the starting catching job.

Treanor had five plate appearances as a designated hitter in a Minor League game on Friday, and he caught a Minor League game on Saturday. He could be back in the Marlins' lineup on Sunday against the Nationals in Jupiter.

Outfielder Cody Ross, who hyper-extended his left knee on Friday, may be back in the lineup on Monday. Jeremy Hermida, out with a tight left hamstring, remains questionable to be ready for Opening Day.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

geez! they're falling like flies!

Poor Mike He better play!

you're going to have to go down there, Mrs. Rabelo!

I hope Mike is doing better and can start on Opening Day.

he needs to see you!