Miami

Stanton Faces Live Pitching for First Time

Giancarlo Stanton stepped into the batters box for the first time since being hit to end 2014

Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton took batting practice against live pitching on Thursday for the first time since his 2014 season ended early.

The last time Stanton stepped up the plate against live pitching was in Milwaukee last September when a fastball hit him in the face. That pitch from Michael Fiers ended the year for Stanton and left a bloody scene at Miller Park. 

While there is no concern about Stanton's physical condition, there are questions remaining in terms of any mental hold-ups related to the scary incident.

Stanton did not swing on Thursday but stood in the box and tracked each pitch as it went by. Teammate Henderson Alvarez was on the mound for the first BP session. Later in the morning, Stanton also faced teammate Brad Hand but only tracked the pitches once again.

During the season, Stanton will wear a custom helmet that has an extra piece to protect his face when he turns into pitches. On Monday, Stanton flew out to try out the helmet and he should be using it in Jupiter soon. Until then, it is likely that Stanton will not take swings and will instead simply work on pitch recognition and timing.

The Marlins are confident that Stanton will be fine and comfortable at the plate. They showed that confidence with a 13-year, $325 million contract earlier this off-season. All of that money is guaranteed and would be paid to Stanton even if he was to not be the caliber of player he once was.

Miami will begin its exhibition season on March 2nd, and in all likelihood Stanton will be swinging by that point.

Contact Us