Giancarlo Stanton may very well play again in 2014

It is Monday and it was just Thursday when Miami Marlins’ superstar Giancarlo Stanton was hit in the face by a fastball from Milwaukee Brewers’ pitcher Mike Fiers.

Stanton sustained multiple facial and dental fractures. He had to be carted off the playing field. It was safe to assume that with fewer than 20 games to play in the regular season, a season in which Stanton is a favorite for the National League MVP Award, that the Marlins’ slugger would not return until 2015.

That may not be such a safe assumption. Giancarlo had played in 145 games up until the incident and had held a goal to play in all 162 regular season games this year. While that goal cannot be realized, there are rumors that the All-Star right fielder may have a new goal: to play again in 2014.

According to a report from MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro, Marlins’ trainer Sean Cunningham accompanied Stanton back to Miami on Friday and had been reporting back to Marlins’ manager Mike Redmond about Stanton’s recovery.

Stanton was conscious and in good spirits over the weekend while following the Marlins series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He’s still on a diet of soft food and won’t get his stitches out until Tuesday but there is a chance that the 24-year-old could return before the end of the season.

"“He’s in good spirits. He’s been watching the games. We’ll probably know a little more on Tuesday,” said Redmond. “I know him. Of course, he’s going to want to come back and try to play, if he can, if it’s a possibility."

After tomorrow’s tests the team and Stanton, who will play game 162 on September 28 against the National League leading the Washington Nationals, will know the exact chances of his return.

Many would wonder why Stanton would want or try to comeback with just 15 basically meaningless games left to play. The Marlins are not in contention for the postseason.

Besides Stanton’s obvious competitive spirit and love for the game, he is also competing head to head with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who will likely take home his third N.L. Cy Young Award this year, for the N.L. MVP Award.

Stanton currently leads the N.L. in both in home runs (37) and RBIs (105). The award which usually goes to a position player can also go to a pitcher. There was some speculation that the injury could impact Stanton’s chances of winning the award, giving Stanton even more motivation to comeback.

Of course many voters, all members of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), argue that the Cy Young Award is for the best pitcher and the MVP award should go to the league’s most valuable position player.

However, that is not how the rules are stated and Kershaw could end up taking home both awards. Of course Stanton could also still be voted MVP without returning.

No one can say for sure. What we do know is that those close to him say that if Stanton does get to have it his way he will be back on the field before the season ends.