MIAMI -- After further evaluation, Marlins right fielder Garrett Cooper's bruised right wrist has been placed in a cast.The decision was made after Cooper was examined by hand specialist, Dr. Patrick Owens, of the University of Miami Heath System."Obviously, this is not what we were looking for with Coop, to

MIAMI -- After further evaluation, Marlins right fielder Garrett Cooper 's bruised right wrist has been placed in a cast.

The decision was made after Cooper was examined by hand specialist, Dr. Patrick Owens, of the University of Miami Heath System.

"Obviously, this is not what we were looking for with Coop, to end up going into a cast," Marlins manager Don Mattingly said. "But it was good that we were able to get the MRI, and kind of identify what was happening. They felt this was the best route to totally immobilize him, and then we just move forward once that's able to come off, and see where he's at."

Cooper is expected to wear the cast for about a week.

Named Miami's Opening Day starting right fielder, Cooper was injured after being hit by a pitch from Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks on March 30, the second game of the season. Initially, it was determined there weren't any fractures, and Cooper was dealing with inflammation. He actually pinch-hit the day after he was struck, and he was in the starting lineup two days later.

But he experienced discomfort in his wrist after two at-bats on April 1 and was placed on the 10-day disabled list on April 5, retroactive to April 2.

Losing Cooper was a blow to the Marlins because he is a power threat who had been hitting in the middle-of-the-order. For any hitter, especially those with power, any hand/wrist injury is a concern.

"I think the hand with the hitter is always a situation," Mattingly said. "You may end up changing your swing and doing some things. You don't want to cause bad habits."

Realmuto progressing

J.T. Realmuto is making progress, and there is a chance he could be reinstated during the next road trip -- either April 16-17 at the Yankees, or April 19-22 at Milwaukee.

"He's feeling great, and kind of champing at the bit," Mattingly said.

The training staff is actually holding Realmuto back from overdoing things. Realmuto sustained the bone bruise on his lower back on March 11, and he currently is hitting and doing catching drills as he moves closer to playing in some rehab assignment games.

"We're anticipating that things are going well, and that's not going to be too much longer," Mattingly said.

Worth noting

• Right-hander Dan Straily (right forearm strain) is expected to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday, and from there is getting closer to pitching in Minor League games.

• Elieser Hernandez was recalled from his rehab assignment from Class A-Advanced Jupiter due to cracking the fingernail on his third right finger. Hernandez is on the DL due to a dental infection.

• Martin Prado (left hamstring strain) played three innings in an extended spring game, and the third baseman is expected to see more game action on Wednesday.

• Center fielder Lewis Brinson , in an 0-for-16 slump, was not in the starting lineup on Monday for the first time this season.

"[We'll] give him a day to watch, and be able to work on things, and get ready tomorrow," Mattingly said.