Marlins' Stanton making progress, cleared for 'dry swinging'

Giancarlo Stanton took one step closer to returning to the Miami Marlins this week, although his team's season may be beyond saving.

Stanton has been cleared to begin swinging a bat, manager Dan Jennings told reporters on Monday.

The Marlins slugger, who recently met with a hand specialist, was told he could begin "dry swings," with no ball involved.

Jennings said it's "step one" in Stanton's road to recovery, but there is no time table for his return.

Stanton has been out since June 27 with a left wrist hamate fracture. He still leads the National League in home runs with 27 and is third in RBIs with 67, despite missing nearly three weeks.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)