Alex

Gonzalez

Gonzalez is day-to-day.

Not bad, but with a .237 average, 705 OPS, and 24/95 bb/k rate, Gonzalez remains a pretty weak hitter. ''I’d love to see him hit .280 and not worry about hitting 20 home runs,’' manager Jack McKeon said. ''But he’s had better-quality at-bats. He’s not struck out as much as he did in the past, and he delivers a lot of key blows.’'

Gonzalez has missed his four games with a sprained right wrist.

Gonzalez said the injury is the result of a drill in which he takes short, hard swings in a downward motion with a shortened bat. The pain worsened Tuesday after batting practice. He only feels pain when swinging, so he could be available for pinch-running or defensive replacement duties.

Mike Mordecai started in Gonzalez’s place yesterday.

With Gonzalez playing, Luis Castillo is resting his sore knee and Damion Easley is playing second base.

He probably could have, but Damion Easley got the start instead.

Gonzalez singled, doubled twice, and walked twice from the No. 5 spot in the Marlins lineup. Gonzalez also hit fifth yesterday with Carlos Delgado, Paul Lo Duca and Juan Encarnacion out of the lineup.

Gonzalez had been batting seventh. He swapped spots with rookie Miguel Cabrera.

He’s expected back after Thursday’s off day. Alex Cora is starting at shortstop tonight.