MIAMI -- Class A Advanced Jupiter's rotation is about to get a big lift. The Marlins announced on Wednesday that Dan Straily will begin a rehab assignment with the Hammerheads on Friday at Daytona Beach.
Straily, initially scheduled to be Miami's No. 2 starter, opened the season on the 10-day disabled list with a right forearm strain. Before experiencing discomfort in his throwing arm, Straily was built up to 80 pitches, but he has been sidelined for about three weeks.
"I would say Dan was already pretty much ready at the end of Spring Training, and then he had the little setback," manager Don Mattingly said. "He's a guy, I wouldn't say we're fast-tracking. We took the time to get him back healthy, and he's stretched back out."
No firm timeline has been set for Straily's return, but chances are he will make at least two rehab assignment starts.
Wei-Yin Chen (left elbow strain) will throw three innings in an extended spring game, which isn't technically a rehab assignment, on Thursday. A pitcher can be on rehab assignment as many as 30 days.
"Wei-Yin has been slowly surprising us all spring," Mattingly said. "He's felt good every time out, and he hasn't had any setbacks. Hopefully that continues."
Prado getting closer, but where will he play?
Martin Prado (left hamstring strain) played four innings at third base at extended spring on Wednesday.
"Martin, at this point, is probably more confident than he's been in a long time, as far as being healthy," Mattingly said.
The Marlins are looking forward to Prado's return, which raises questions as to where he will play. Rookie Brian Anderson has secured third base, and he's been arguably the club's most productive hitter.
The Marlins are already considering ideas to get both Prado and Anderson in the lineup. While Prado has played outfield before, because of his hamstring issues, that may not be ideal, and the club may want his experience at third base.

Perhaps Anderson could play some left field, and Derek Dietrich could play some right field. The club hasn't officially said that, but Mattingly acknowledged the team must be creative.
"We'll be working on that, as long as Martin gets closer," Mattingly said. "Make sure we keep the right guys in the lineup. It's the National League."
Patience with Brinson
Center fielder Lewis Brinson took some extra batting practice in the cages after Tuesday's loss. It's not something you see often from players, working on things once the game is over.
"Usually, guys let it go at the end of the night," Mattingly said. "But it shows you he wants to get better. If he doesn't like where he's at, we're here to work."
The Marlins are staying patient with their top prospect, and the player ranked by MLB Pipeline as 27th overall.
"I think we're also in a position where we're going to be patient, to a point," Mattingly said. "As long as he's not getting to the point of losing confidence. He's going to continue to work and get better. He's pretty level-headed with things. He's a great kid, and he works. I say it with everyone. If you continue to work, and you're working on the right things, you're going to get better."