Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton expected to remain out of lineup until Friday with sore side

Miami Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton is expected to remain out of the starting lineup until Friday with a strained muscle in his side.

Stanton said he felt a little better Tuesday, but he was held out for the second night in a row against the Atlanta Braves. Manager Ozzie Guillen said he might be available to pinch-hit.

Stanton was second in the NL with 34 home runs. His side began bothering him Saturday.