Miami, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - The Miami Marlins will have veteran infielder Rafael Furcal in the lineup when the team opens a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.
The Marlins activated the three-time All-Star from the 60-day disabled list prior to the contest, with Furcal to bat leadoff and play second base in Friday's tilt.
It will be Furcal's first major league appearance since Aug. 30, 2012. He missed all of last season, while then still with the St. Louis Cardinals, while recovering from Tommy John elbow surgery and has been sidelined since spring training with a hamstring issue.
The Marlins signed Furcal to a one-year contract in December. The 2000 National League Rookie of the Year batted .307 over 21 games during a minor league rehab assignment between Double-A Jacksonville and Single-A Jupiter.