Miami

Marlins Place Justin Bour on Disabled List

Marlins first baseman Justin Bour has been placed on the disabled list with a sprained ankle

The Miami Marlins lost a big bat when they placed Justin Bour on the disabled list due to a sprained ankle on Wednesday.

Bour has been one of Miami's biggest offensive weapons this season and a necessary one due to Giancarlo Stanton's struggles. Bour has 15 home runs and 46 runs batted in and is on-pace to set career highs in both categories.

In June, Bour posted his best numbers of the season which makes this loss even larger for Miami. The first baseman hit .317 with 6 HR and 20 RBI in June alone. Bour's production had become so important to Miami, there were even rumblings of playing him against left-handed pitchers. For most of this season, Bour has been in a platoon with Chris Johnson at first base.

With Bour out of action for at least two weeks, Miami will likely use Johnson on a nearly everyday basis. In his career Johnson is a more productive bat against lefties, but the Marlins do not have the luxury to platoon him at this time.

Miami called up Don Kelly from AAA New Orleans to replace Bour on the roster. Kelly is left-handed and can play first base. It is unlikely that Kelly will see the same amount of playing time that Bour had however. The veteran utility player will give manager Don Mattingly more options off the bench due to his versatility.

Without Bour's bat, Miami will need Stanton to show some consistent offense. The slugger got off to a good start on that with two home runs in Tuesday's win over the New York Mets.

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