Marlins 2B Dan Uggla Struggling with Ankle

Marlins All-Star second baseman Dan Uggla is a shadow of his former self since his torrid pace in May when he knocked in 12 home runs and hit .347.

Attempting to play with the pain of a sprained left ankle sustained in a base running mishap, Uggla's average for the season has fallen to .261 largely due to a production drought that saw him go 4-36 from June 28 to July 24. Though his discomfort has been severe enough that at one point he even sat out for 11 games, he has refused to go on the disabled list.

While presenting himself as game-ready his abilities remain severely impaired as evidenced over the past 30 days, a period in which he has hit just .107 with 3 homers.

At this rate he may as well sit out anyway. It's puzzling why the Mariners--in the midst in a playoff fight--don't move Jorge Cantu to second base and bring up Dallas McPherson from Triple A Albuquerque to place third base at least until Uggla once again can return to being a potent force.