Grade 3 groin strain ends Stanton's season
The Miami Marlins will have to continue their quest for a playoff berth without their superstar, as manager Don Mattingly told reporters Sunday afternoon that an MRI on Giancarlo Stanton's injured groin revealed something "serious" that will end the right fielder's 2016 season.
Stanton was placed on the disabled list Sunday morning after he suffered a left groin strain during the final play of Saturday's 8-7 loss to the Chicago White Sox. After the contest Mattingly could only tell reporters that the injury "didn't look real good."
Club president Michael Hill revealed to reporters Sunday that the 26-year-old suffered a grade 3 groin strain; the best-case scenario for a quick return, Hill explained, would be six weeks - around the last weekend of the regular season.
"There is still an opportunity for G to be back before season’s end but obviously it was a significant injury," Hill said, according to Andre C. Fernandez of the Miami Herald. "In a long season things always happen. We have the where with all in that clubhouse and in our (minor-league) system to absorb whatever comes our way. Obviously, Stanton is a big part of our club, but we’ve dealt with a lot already this season."
The groin strain marks the third consecutive season that Stanton's year is cut short due to injury. He was limited to just 74 games in 2015 due to a broken hamate bone in his hand, while his 2014 campaign was cut short when he was hit by a pitch in the face.
Stanton had a slow start to 2016 but picked up his pace after a record-setting performance at this year's Home Run Derby. He finishes 2016 with a .244/.329/.496 slash line, 25 home runs, and 70 RBIs.
Miami moved back into a tie with St. Louis for the second National League wild-card spot thanks to Sunday's victory over the White Sox.