Baker homers in Minors game

Slowed by an injury for most of Spring Training, John Baker welcomed an encouraging day at the park.

Getting four plate appearances in a Triple-A game against the Cardinals, Baker went 2-for-3 with a home run and a hit by pitch.

Hitting second every inning, Baker delivered an opposite-field home run in his first at-bat. In his second at-bat, he was grazed on the right elbow. The Marlins regular catcher struck out in his next time up. He added a single.

Baker hasn’t played in a Grapefruit League game due to a strained right forearm muscle.

His plans for Friday could be pretty similar to Thursday. Baker may test his arm by throwing the bases on Friday. He also may be the designated hitter in a Class A game on the back fields in Jupiter.

If that goes well, Baker could be in a Grapefruit League game as early as Saturday.

Also, prospect Mike Stanton (sore left elbow) took some swings on Thursday. Stanton didn’t swing a bat for two days after slightly hyper-extending his elbow on Monday. He could be in a game this weekend.

– Joe Frisaro