Giancarlo Stanton close to return for Miami Marlins

Miami Marlins All-Star right fielder Giancarlo Stanton says he’s about a week and a half away from rejoining the lineup after being sidelined since June 26 with a broken left hand.

Stanton doesn’t expect to go on a minor league rehab stint and will instead work on his timing in the batting cage, he said Tuesday.

His injury required surgery, and the recovery has taken longer than expected. If the latest timetable holds, he could return around Sept. 4, when the Marlins open a homestand against the NL East-leading New York Mets. Stanton led the majors with 27 homers and 67 RBIs when he was hurt.

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Tampa Bay Rays first baseman James Loney has been suspended one game and fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball for making contact with umpire Paul Nauert in Saturday’s game at Oakland. Loney appealed the sanctions announced Tuesday and will be able to continue playing until the appeal process is completed. Loney was ejected after striking out in the sixth inning Saturday and later bumped Nauert during an argument.

Carlos Carrasco’s sore right shoulder could force the Indians to place him on the disabled list. Carrasco (12-9), who leads Cleveland in wins and has been the club’s most consistent starter this season, will be examined Tuesday night, and then the Indians will decide whether to put him on the 15-day disabled list or push his start back a few days.