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.

Placido Polanco (lower back) was out of the lineup for the third straight game Saturday.

It's the same injury that forced him to the disabled list for nearly a month. Manager Charlie Manuel wouldn't rule out another return to the DL, just five days after returning from it. Kevin Frandsen will continue to start at third base in his absence.

Phillies activated INF Placido Polanco from the 15-day disabled list.

Polanco wound up missing nearly a month with a back injury. The 36-year-old should see regular playing time at third base down the stretch but carries no fantasy value.

Placido Polanco (back) is expected to be activated from the disabled list Monday.

Polanco went 1-for-4 and committed an error in his third and final rehab game with High-A Clearwater Saturday. Kevin Frandsen has started 19 straight games at third base for the Phillies and is expected to still receive playing time there even after Polanco's activation.

Placido Polanco (back) will begin his minor league rehab assignment with High-A Clearwater on Thursday.

It was previously reported that Polanco would begin a rehab stint Wednesday, but there was apparently a change of plans. The 36-year-old expects to be the everyday third baseman upon his return even though Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said otherwise on Monday. Either way, he doesn't figure to be relevant in mixed leagues down the stretch.

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said Placido Polanco (back) will not be the everyday third baseman when he returns from the disabled list.

"No," Manuel said. "I probably won't be able to throw him out there every day. We definitely need him back because he is a good defensive player." The chances are good that Polanco still playing more than anyone else at third, but the Phillies like what they've gotten from Kevin Frandsen so far and won't totally banish him to the bench. Polanco, who is batting just .255/.300/.328 this season, will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Clearwater Wednesday and rejoin the Phils Saturday.

Placido Polanco (back) is aiming to be activated from the disabled list on Saturday in Milwaukee.

Polanco will spend most of this week playing in minor league rehab games. The veteran infielder has been on the shelf since July 22 due to lower back inflammation.

Placido Polanco (back) did some stretching and throwing on Saturday.

Polanco is progressing steadily to this point in his recovery from inflammation in his back. No timetable has been set for the veteran infielder to begin a rehab assignment. The Phillies will continue to roll with Kevin Frandsen and Ty Wigginton at third base.

Phillies placed 3B Placido Polanco on the 15-day disabled list with back inflammation.

Polanco was hoping to remain on the active roster and play through the discomfort, but he hadn't experienced enough improvement by Thursday afternoon. The veteran third baseman is batting just .255/.300/.328 with 19 RBI in 82 games this season. He holds no fantasy value.

Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles have inquired about corner infield help over the past few weeks, with Placido Polanco of the Phillies, Chase Headley of the Padres and Bryan LaHair of the Cubs among their targets.

All talks are said to be preliminary in nature. Connolly speculates that Polanco could be the best fit, as he will cost less in the way of prospects than the highly-coveted Headley. The 36-year-old is owed around $3 million for the rest of his season while his contract includes a $5.5 million mutual option for 2012 or a $1 million buyout.

Placido Polanco is out of Monday's lineup against the Brewers due to back stiffness.

Ty Wigginton will start in his place at third base. Consider Polanco day-to-day for now.