Knee still an issue for Stanton

JUPITER, Fla. — It remains unclear if Giancarlo Stanton will be ready for Opening Day.

The 22-year-old slugger is hopeful, but he isn’t fully confident his knee will respond in time.

“I’m just hitting, not running,” the right fielder said on Monday morning.

The Marlins are set to open against the Cardinals on April 4 at Marlins Park.

Stanton hasn’t played since he was struck on his left wrist by a pitch against the Mets on March 11. A couple of days after he was resting the wrist, it was learned that his left knee had been bothering him.

An MRI revealed inflammation. Stanton said there was swelling in two areas of the knee. He added that there are no tears to any ligaments, tendons or his meniscus.

“The pain has died down a little bit, but there is still some inflammation,” he said.

Stanton has nine at-bats in Grapefruit League play.

– Joe Frisaro