Placido Polanco reported improvement with his back Saturday, but Marlins manager Mike Redmond said the team does not "have a time frame for him yet." With Polanco's back issues last season, the Fish will no doubt play it safe with the veteran. Polanco won't need too many at-bats to get ready for the season, but he's already looking like a poor bet to stay healthy in 2013.

Placido Polanco was scratched from the Marlins' lineup on Wednesday due to lingering back issues. Polanco began experiencing tightness in his back over the weekend and still isn't over it. He'll look to return to Grapefruit League action within the next few days. Matt Downs is starting at third base on Wednesday.

Placido Polanco said Tuesday that his back spasm is much better. Polanco was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to mild back tightness, but he fielded grounders Tuesday without incident. He should be back in the lineup in the next couple of days.

Placido Polanco was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to mild back tightness. Polanco was plagued by back issues last season. He's not concerned at this point, though, and hopes to be back in the lineup in a few days.

Placido Polanco told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that he's physically prepared for a full season as the Marlins' everyday third baseman. "Everything has been taken care of," Polanco said. "My [offseason] training has gone very well. I had a couple of years where I didn't feel as sure, but I've done a lot of exercises and I've tested all parts of my body. I feel healthy." Despite being limited to 90 games last season due to a lower back injury, Polanco is locked-in as the Marlins' regular third baseman. His only real competition for playing time will come from Greg Dobbs and Kevin Kouzmanoff.

Marlins signed 3B Placido Polanco to a one-year, $2.75 million contract. Polanco is expected to serve as the Marlins' primary first baseman in 2013, though Greg Dobbs and Kevin Kouzmanoff could challenge him for playing time. The 37-year-old third baseman posted a weak .257/.302/.327 batting line this past year for the Phillies while fighting back issues.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the Marlins are nearing an agreement with Placido Polanco. It'll be a one-year, $2.75 million deal if Polanco passes all the necessary medical tests. The veteran third baseman batted just .257/.302/.327 in 328 plate appearances this past season for the Phillies and isn't likely to suddenly turn his career around in south Florida. He carries no fantasy relevance.

Phillies declined 3B Placido Polanco's $5.5 million option for 2013. He'll receive a $1 million buyout instead. Polanco's second stint in Philadelphia ended with a whimper, as he batted just .257/.302/.327 with two home runs this year while being limited to just 90 games due to injury. The 37-year-old holds little appeal at this point as a starting third baseman and might have to accept a backup job. Unless they bring someone else in, the Phillies will go with Freddy Galvis and Kevin Frandsen at the hot corner next season. Chase Utley is expected to remain at second base for now.

The Philadelphia Inquirer confirms Placido Polanco's $5.5 million option this offseason will be declined.

Phillies placed 3B Placido Polanco on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation. Polanco returned from the injury late last month, but his back was still giving him trouble. He'll almost surely be shut down for the season at this point. Kevin Frandsen will continue to be Philly's regular third baseman.