After long DL stint, Bour returns in series of moves
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MIAMI -- The Marlins got some much-needed left-handed power on Tuesday, as they reinstated first baseman Justin Bour from the 60-day disabled list before a 4-3 loss to the Phillies.
Bour has been out since July 2 with a right high ankle sprain. The 28-year-old had been hitting .268 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs in 68 games prior to the injury.
"It felt like longer than two months," Bour said of his time on the DL.
Bour and Giancarlo Stanton -- who was also activated on Tuesday in a surprise move -- took part in a simulated game on Tuesday. Neither was in the starting lineup, but Bour said before the game he felt ready to play in the field when called upon.
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"As soon as they put my name in there, I'll be ready to go," Bour said. "I feel good. I feel ready. Fielding. I've done it all. It's just a matter of when they decide to put me in the lineup."
Bour entered as a pinch-hitter in the eighth inning Tuesday night and drew a walk. He was immediately lifted for a pinch-runner. With right-hander Jeremy Hellickson going for the Phillies on Wednesday, Mattingly said Bour will likely start at first base. Miami is off on Thursday, and Bour isn't expected to be in the lineup Friday against Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw.
Mattingly will follow the recommendations of the medical staff regarding when to use Bour in the field.
"As soon as they tell me he's ready to play, we'll get him back in there," Mattingly said.
Miami also recalled left-handers Hunter Cervenka and Justin Nicolino from Triple-A New Orleans, plus utility player Yefri Pérez from Double-A Jacksonville.
To create 40-man roster space for Bour, Miami designated right-hander Kendry Flores for assignment.
In the sim game, Bour and Stanton faced lefty Wei-Yin Chen and right-hander Bryan Morris, who has been on the DL since May 26 with lumbar disk herniation. Chen, who is on the 15-day DL with a left elbow strain, threw about 50 pitches in the sim game and could be ready to return after one more simulated game in five days.