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The chances of Josh Willingham coming off the disabled list on Tuesday seem remote.
Instead, the Marlins are leaning toward having the left fielder test his back in at least one rehab assignment.
"We're thinking of sending him somewhere to rehab," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "We want to get him some at-bats and see how he reacts."
Willingham, the team's primary cleanup hitter, went on the disabled list on May 2, retroactive to April 28, with a strained lower back. He is eligible to come off the DL on Tuesday, when the team is in Cincinnati.
In 25 games, he has a .341 batting average with six home runs and 16 RBIs.
He took batting practice on Saturday and thus far is feeling fine.
Before rushing Willingham into Major League action, the team wants him to get some game action in the Minors.
As Willingham works toward some rehab games, first baseman Mike Jacobs could be starting again as soon as Sunday.
Jacobs has a tight left quad but is available to pinch-hit on Saturday.
With the Marlins off to a fast start, there isn't as much urgency to get Jacobs back. In addition, Wes Helms is a proven replacement.
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