Josh

Willingham

Willingham hit 29 homers over the last two seasons at Single-A Jupiter. He’s not likely to have any value in Florida this season even if Castro misses time.

He hopes to be ready for a series of minor-league rehabilitation starts when the Marlins go out on the road next week.

Willingham hit his 17th homer off starter Pedro Astacio in the fourth. He entered the game 1-for-14 since his pinch-hit game-winning homer off Billy Wagner on Aug. 1.

It was Willingham’s fifth homer in four days, though one of those days did include a doubleheader. The Marlins had to be wondering whether they should go forward with him as their left fielder after a 2 1/2-month slump that began in early May. The answer is yes.

Willingham entered the game batting just .213 this month, but now that he’s hit five homers in July his owners can’t be particularly upset. Since he has just two starts at catcher on the season, it’s unlikely that he’ll qualify there in the vast majority of leagues in 2007. With Miguel Olivo showing good power, the Marlins are unlikely to move Willingham back to catcher in the future as well. He’s only a mediocre option as an outfielder, so his value to a contending NL-only team is probably greater than to those planning for next season. That’s a situation Willingham owners should look to exploit in keeper leagues.

Willingham will be eligible to return on June 22 and could be ready then. In the meantime, the Marlins will use Cody Ross, Joe Borchard and Chris Aguila in left field.

Willingham is scheduled to play two games for Double-A Carolina and, if everything goes well, could rejoin the Marlins on Thursday in Baltimore.

Willingham is not expected to play in the series against San Diego. “We’re just making sure that it’s nothing more than what you think it is,” manager Joe Girardi said. “If everything comes out all right, which I think it will, we’ll give him a few days off here and play him when we get back to Florida.’' Joe Borchard will pick up at-bats in the meantime.

Willingham has been out since straining his wrist while swinging during Tuesday’s game. Joe Borchard will continue to start in his place.

“He still has some pain there, so instead of testing it every day, we’ll put him on the DL, and he will miss another week,” manager Joe Girardi said. “He’s already missed half of it, so he will miss another week. Hands are tricky things. You never know how it is going to be when he wakes up every day. He’s still a little sore.” Chris Aguila figures to be called up to replace him. Joe Borchard and Eric Reed will continue to see time in left field.