Zephyrs' Yelich homers in third rehab game

Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich took another step forward Thursday night on his road back from a lower back strain. Yelich blasted a three-run homer and added an RBI groundout as Triple-A New Orleans rolled over Nashville, 11-1.

In the third game of his rehab stint in the Minor Leagues, Yelich went yard in the top of the fourth inning. The 22-year-old got the start in center field and is slated to play again Friday in the Zephyrs' outfield.

"He's going to play eight or nine innings [each game at New Orleans], somewhere around there," Marlins manager Mike Redmond told MLB.com. "He'll play left and center."

Earlier this week, Yelich played in two games for Class A Advanced Jupiter, one in left field and one in center. He went 2-for-6 with a walk, two runs scored and an RBI.

Yelich suffered the back injury while fielding a single to left field during a June 13 game against the Pirates. The Marlins hope to have him back in the lineup Sunday, the first day he'll be eligible to come off the disabled list.

"If he continues to improve, he should be on pace to play when his day comes up," Redmond told MLB.com last week. "His day is up the 29th."

In 63 games for Miami this season, the 2010 first-round pick is batting .259/.342/.418 with six home runs, 24 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 11 attempts.