Marlins' Ozuna Benched After Being Late For Batting Practice

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MIAMI (AP) — Miami Marlins center fielder Marcell Ozuna was benched Sunday as punishment for being late to batting practice, and he apologized.

Ozuna said he didn't realize the pregame workout was earlier than usual.

"It was my fault," he said. "I say sorry, and it's not going to happen again."

Although Ozuna was contrite, manager Mike Redmond was unhappy.

"We're trying to win a series," Redmond said before the game, "and he owes it to his teammates to be here to prepare himself."

Asked if Ozuna's punishment might be for more than one game, Redmond said, "We'll see."

Ichiro Suzuki replaced Ozuna, made his first start for Miami and went 1 for 3 in an 8-5 loss to Tampa Bay.

Ozuna is batting .263 for the Marlins, who struggled offensively in the season's first week and are 1-5.