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MLB Notes: Marlins tough out at home

Giancarlo Stanton may consider Marlins Park a place for pitchers, but the Marlins average 5.7 runs per game there. (Associated Press)
Associated Press
Giancarlo Stanton may consider Marlins Park a place for pitchers, but the Marlins average 5.7 runs per game there. (Associated Press)

Slugger Giancarlo Stanton hasn’t changed his opinion about spacious Marlins Park. He still considers it a pitcher’s park and dislikes the dimensions.

His Miami Marlins teammates are trying mightily to change his mind.

The Marlins begin a six-game homestand today against Philadelphia with a 17-5 home record, best in the majors. In a ballpark considered unfriendly to hitters, Miami is averaging 5.7 runs per game, second-best in the majors at home.

Stanton’s leading the way. He has found the distant fences annoying since the park opened in 2012, but he nonetheless has 31 RBIs at home, the most in the majors. In Miami he has seven homers, a .354 batting average and a 1.166 OPS.

However, Stanton still insists the Marlins’ home is a pitchers’ park.

“It is in terms of power, but this conversation is not relevant,” he said with a frown. “I don’t want to talk about complaining about the ballpark.”

That would be unseemly when the Marlins have outscored opponents 125-70 at home. The differential is especially eye-popping because they’ve been outscored 114-79 on the road, where their record is 6-17, worst in the majors.

Marlins sign Tejada

Suspended infielder Miguel Tejada has signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.

Tejada is serving a 105-game suspension he began last year for testing positive for an amphetamine.

He would be eligible to play in the Marlins’ 65th game, which would be June 10 at Texas if they don’t have any other games rained out and postponed until after that date. He could appear in minor league games at Double-A or lower beginning May 31.

Abreu rests ankle

White Sox slugger Jose Abreu will continue to rest his inflamed left ankle after an MRI exam showed no structural damage.

The 27-year-old rookie left Saturday’s game against Houston with a limp in the seventh inning. He was placed on the disabled list Sunday.

Sabathia out longer

Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia is expected to miss at least six more weeks with an injured right knee.

The left-hander was placed on the 15-day disabled list May 11. He was examined by Dr. James Andrews last week and had his knee drained. Sabathia also received a cortisone and stem cell injection to treat a degenerative cartilage condition.

The 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner is 3-4 with a 5.28 ERA in eight starts.