The Miami Marlins remained uncertain Wednesday whether doctors would clear National League home run leader Giancarlo Stanton to play again this season. In the meantime, the team was already making preparations for his return by ordering several protective batting helmets for Stanton to try if he's cleared.
Marlins general manager Dan Jennings told ESPN.com on Wednesday that the club had ordered three helmets, with different styles of protective flaps, from Rawlings.
The helmets were expected to arrive Wednesday. The team plans to have them on hand for Stanton to try out later this week, to "try to find the best option for him that will not block his vision," Jennings said.
The helmets are similar to the one worn by Atlanta's Jason Heyward this season to protect his jaw, which was broken last year when he was hit in the face by a pitch.
The Marlins hoped to learn sometime Wednesday afternoon whether Stanton will be allowed to return before their season ends Sept. 28. He was scheduled to have his stitches removed Wednesday, have another set of X-rays taken and then confer with doctors about whether they feel it's safe for him to play again so soon. He suffered multiple fractures in his face when he was hit by a pitch by Milwaukee's Mike Fiers last Thursday.
The club doesn't expect Stanton to be cleared to start a game or play the field. However, the Marlins haven't ruled out having Stanton get an at-bat or two next week if doctors OK it, so that he won't have to wait all winter to return to the batter's box.
"If he were to come back even for one game and just get one at-bat, that has a chance to really be special," Jennings said, "as far as creating a memorable moment, for everybody."
Stanton posted before-and-after photos on Instagram on Tuesday illustrating how much his condition has improved since being hit by the pitch.