A top prospect and former first-round pick, Hermida fell well short of lofty expectations during four seasons with the Marlins, strongly suggesting a change of scenery would be in everyone's best interest. It's too soon to tell how Hermida, a left-handed -hitting hitter who can play both corner outfield spots, will fit into Boston's plans next season. For now, he serves as insurance in case left fielder Jason Bay opts to sign elsewhere this offseason. At worst, the Red Sox have themselves a talented 25-year-old, fourth outfielder with plenty of untapped potential. Florida's decision to give up on Hermida opens the door for a starting outfield trio of Chris Coghlan, Cameron Maybin and Cody Ross.

The hope is Hermida will be available to pinch-hit this weekend (Sept. 26-27). He could be ready to play defense or pinch-run Wednesday. "It feels all right," Hermida said. "I wouldn't say it's back to 100 percent, but it's getting close."

Hermida has not played since Sept. 2 due to the strained oblique, suffered during a swing in his third at-bat against the Braves at Land Shark Stadium. Before Tuesday's first game of the doubleheader with the Phillies, Hermida took some swings in the batting cage. With 12 games remaining, Hermida is hoping to get back into the lineup as soon as possible. Hermida has appeared in 128 games this season, and he's batting .259 with 13 home runs, 47 RBIs and a .349 on-base percentage.

Hermida last played on Sept. 2 against the Braves. During his third at-bat, he felt a tug on his right side, just under his rib cage. He had a cortisone shot the first week of September, and now he is starting to feel closer to being game ready. "I actually hit a ball [Tuesday] for the first time," said Hermida, relieved to finally be able to do baseball activities. "I did some dry swings [Monday], to see how it felt. I hit off the tee and [did] a couple of flips. It felt good." By his estimation, Hermida hit about 40 to 50 balls. Asked if he would take batting practice on the field by the end of the road trip, Hermida said that would be up to the Marlins' trainers. In 128 games, the Marlins outfielder is batting .259 with 13 home runs and 47 RBIs.

Hermida took a relative day off from his rehab before the series opener with the Mets Friday. Out since Sept. 2, the recovering outfielder said he's still not sure if he can start swinging a bat or playing catch before the weekend is over. Cameron Maybin figures to benefit the most from Hermida's slow recovery, as he's seen the bulk of playing time in his absence thus far.

Don't count on much for the next few days from Hermida, who is still unsure whether he can start swinging a bat or playing catch before the weekend is over. Cameron Maybin is seeing extra playing time in his absence.

Initially, the injury was termed a strained right intercostal muscle, or an ailment in the rib cage. Hermida says it is more of an oblique issue, just below the ribs. Either way, with discomfort moving his midsection, it makes it difficult to run or hit. Hermida is hopeful to be back this season, but that remains to be seen. In his absence, Cameron Maybin has been starting in center field, and Cody Ross has switched from center to right field.

Out since Sept. 2, Hermida remains a few days away from doing baseball-related activities. Playing time might not be as readily available when he returns, especiallu if the highly touted Cameron Maybin continues performing well in his absence.

Hermida left after going 0-for-3, extending his hitless slump to 12 at-bats and dropping his average to .259. He was who was replaced by Cameron Maybin.

Johnson, who came in batting .297 with seven home runs and 50 RBIs, flew out to left field in his first at-bat on a 1-1 fastball. He also got a putout on an inning-ending double play in the top half of the inning. Ross Gload, who was starting in right field, moved to first base and Jeremy Hermida was inserted to play right field -- taking Johnson's No. 2 spot in the lineup. Johnson is currently listed as day-to-day.

Florida's acquisition of Nick Johnson pushed Jorge Cantu over to third base and Bonfacio into a bench role. Still, skipper Fredi Gonzalez is looking to find any way possible to get Bonifacio into the lineup. Jeremy Hermida was not in the lineup, and starting center fielder Cody Ross shifted over to right field. The speedy Bonifacio entered Wednesday batting .305 against southpaws this season.

Hermida has now hit in nine straight, although the fact that his average still stands at .257 reflects the fact that only two of those games have been multi-hit efforts. Hermida has always had tantalizing potential, but his .257-11-40 line in 350 at-bats is more or less par for the course over his disappointing, injury-marred career. He's worth starting in NL-only leagues while he's riding this streak, but Hermida will need to mix in some multi-hit performances to earn mixed-league consideration.

Hermida tends to save his best production for the second half, but he's done this dance one too many times. Barring a big bounceback performance down the stretch, his Marlins days may be numbered.

Hermida, who put one out for the second time in four games, has struggled since the beginning of June, batting .244 with nine extra-base hits and 12 RBIs in 34 tilts. He's hitting .255 with 34 RBIs and 33 runs on the year.

Hermida went deep for the first time in 20 games, bringing to an end a lengthy offensive drought that produced a .123 average in his previous 19 games. Trade rumors are beginning to hound Hermida, so prepare for a possible relocation if you're a Hermida owner. In the meantime, it would be wise to get him back in the lineup if he follows up Thursday's effort with another extra-base hit Friday.