Jazz (stress fracture) out at least 6 weeks

PITTSBURGH -- The Marlins are going to have to weather a large portion of the second half without their most dynamic offensive player.

A CT scan revealed Jazz Chisholm Jr. has a stress fracture in his lower back, the team said. The recommended period for rest and rehab from the injury is six weeks, meaning the Marlins will likely be without their best hitter until September.

Even though Chisholm has been out of game action since June 28, the 24-year-old infielder led the Marlins in homers (14), RBIs (45) and runs scored (39) entering Friday’s action against the Pirates. He is also one of two Miami players to accrue double digits in stolen bases with 12, trailing only Jon Berti (28), who is also on the injured list with a left groin strain.

“He was having a really good year, obviously with making the All-Star team,” manager Don Mattingly said. “You had a feeling that something was wrong when he wasn’t able to get through that All-Star Game and be able to play, because we knew it was something he would have pushed himself to get to and be able to play.”

With Chisholm and Berti on the IL, Joey Wendle has slotted in to take over the top-of-the-lineup duties in solid fashion, recording a .286 average since June 29. But the Marlins are struggling to keep their lineup moving smoothly in sync without these two impact players, led by Chisholm’s offensive skill set; the team entered Friday’s series opener in Pittsburgh having not scored a run in 34 consecutive innings.

“I think you just take the steps forward to get him right and let that process take shape, then go with it wherever it goes,” Mattingly said of Chisholm's rehab.