"What has long been an Achilles' heel for the Marlins -- use of a designated hitter in interleague play -- was a pleasant surprise for them in Chicago last month when Jorge Cantu went 5 for 9 with a double and a home run in that spot against the White Sox.

As such, he likely will remain in that role when the Marlins open a three-game series on Friday with their cross-state brethren, the Tampa Bay Rays. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said he plans to put his ``nine best hitters out there.''

``[Wes] Helms will play, and then we'll decide whether we're better off with Jorge DH-ing and [Gaby] Sanchez playing first, or Sanchy DH-ing and Jorgie playing first,'' Gonzalez said.

Under either scenario, rookie Mike Stanton stays in right field and Cameron Maybin remains on the bench."