Marlins manager Don Mattingly said several of the players currently on the injured list are getting closer to being cleared to resume practicing again, but trying to pinpoint realistic target dates for them to get back into big league action remains unclear.

The Marlins had 18 players test positive for COVID-19 early in the season, and starting pitching was especially hit hard.

Miami’s expected top three starters -- Sandy Alcantara, Caleb Smith and José Ureña -- have been out since the first few games of the season.

“Saying when they’re going to be back is tough, but we do feel like in the next few days, we’re going to have guys that are cleared to start working out,” Mattingly said on Friday during a Zoom call.

Alcantara was Miami’s Opening Day starter, striking out seven in 6 2/3 innings on July 24 in a win at Philadelphia. On July 25, Smith made his lone start, working three innings. Ureña was scratched from his scheduled July 26 start, and he went on the injured list the next day.

Alcantara is in the group that is close to receiving the green light to begin training again at the club’s alternate training site in Jupiter, Fla.

“Quite a few are in that process. They’ve asked for reinstatement,” Mattingly said. “I think they have received at least partial [clearance] to continue on, and we’re still working through that.”

Being reinstated is a process that requires a battery of medical tests, as well as abiding by the health and safety protocols set forth by MLB and the MLB Players Association. Mattingly said at least some of the players progressing in their recovery are in the process of having their heart tests taken.

Once the players, and specifically the starting pitchers, return to the field, they also must build back up to being game ready. The pitchers who have been in quarantine have been keeping their arms loose by throwing in their rooms. Players have been creative, throwing into mattresses, pillows, couches, etc. Still, that’s not the same as actually throwing off the mound to a catcher or facing batters.

“Guys' arms have been moving,” Mattingly said. “It’s just a matter of what it’s going to take to get them back to what we’re willing to accept.”

Eventually, the front office and staff will have to ask themselves what’s realistic to get them fully up to speed.

“Are we willing to say, ‘OK, we’ll take a four-inning start?’" Mattingly said. “I think that’s going to depend on what they look like in their ‘pens. We’ll have to throw a live BP in there somewhere.

“We’re going to try to be as quick as possible, but safety [comes] first. These guys are too valuable, Sandy and them.”

It has been 21 days since Alcantara has thrown off a mound, and Smith has been off for 20. Ureña’s last game action was July 21, an exhibition at Atlanta. Since all three are going to be at least three weeks removed from being on the mound, it will take at least some time to build them back up.

“If you bring them back too quickly and they get hurt, that’s the worst thing you can do,” Mattingly said. “We’re going to be careful with them first.”

Damage mindset
Even with three of their projected position players at the start of the season on the injured list, the Marlins are seeing a spike in their power numbers. Their slugging percentage heading into Friday’s series opener with the Braves was .399 (21st in the Majors). A year ago, the club ranked last in the Majors in slugging percentage at .375.

The increase in production is coming with catcher Jorge Alfaro, first baseman/designated hitter Garrett Cooper and outfielder Harold Ramirez on the IL. Third baseman Brian Anderson has come out of the gates swinging, which has helped the team get off to a fast start.

“I think it’s just guys are going up there with their individual plans,” Anderson said. “Every guy has their own plan when they go to face the pitcher. Overall, it is turning into a team philosophy -- that we’re trying to do damage.

“I don’t think guys are trying to go up there and are selling out for home runs by any means. I think guys are hunting certain pitches in certain locations, and they’re kind of refining their approaches a little bit.”

Morin to the injured list
The Marlins on Friday placed right-handed reliever Mike Morin on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow UCL injury, retroactive to Thursday. Left-handed reliever Josh D. Smith has been recalled from the club’s alternate training site in Jupiter.

Mattingly said Morin, who exited Wednesday’s game against Toronto after throwing a pitch, went for an MRI on Friday, and the Marlins are unsure if he will return this season.

“I don’t want to speculate,” Mattingly said, “but any time a guy throws one pitch and walks off the mound, that’s usually not a great sign. But I still remain rather hopeful for him, and just see what the doctor says today.”