Marlins president Larry Beinfest said Friday that Austin Kearns is unlikely to return this season.

Kearns went on bereavement leave May 5 and seven days later was placed on the restricted list. The Marlins aren't counting on him the rest of the way. "Don't know," said Beinfest. "He's a got a very difficult family situation. It's terrible and we feel for him. It's getting late already. He's missed a lot of time. It would take him a while to ramp up now considering he's been out for two months. He'd have to beat the clock to get back this year probably."

Marlins transferred OF Austin Kearns to the restricted list.

Kearns was already on the bereavement list, so it's just a procedural move to give him more time. Kyle Skipworth has taken Kearns' spot on the roster.

Marlins placed OF Austin Kearns on the bereavement list.

He'll be away from the team for a few days because of a private family matter. Kyle Skipworth has taken Kearns' spot on the roster.

Austin Kearns has been excused from the Marlins for a few days because of a private family matter.

Kearns should be back by early next week. He's hitting .185 with a .476 OPS through 19 games played this season.

Austin Kearns (irregular heartbeat) is in Wednesday's lineup against the Nationals.

Kearns was taken to a hospital with an irregular heartbeat before Sunday's game, but he was given a clean bill of health and struck out in a pinch-hit appearance Tuesday. He'll bat sixth Wednesday against left-hander Ross Detwiler.

Austin Kearns (irregular heartbeat) has been cleared to resume playing.

Kearns was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to an irregular heartbeat, but he's now been given a clean bill of health. He's not in the lineup Tuesday but is available off the bench.

Austin Kearns (irregular heartbeat) has been discharged from the hospital.

Kearns was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to an irregular heartbeat. He was kept in the hospital overnight for observation and will need to undergo additional tests before being cleared to resume baseball activities.

Austin Kearns was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to an elevated heart rate.

Kearns was taken to a hospital for tests. Justin Ruggiano took his place in right field.

Marlins purchased the contract of OF Austin Kearns from Triple-A New Orleans.

The 32-year-old batted .245/.366/.367 with four home runs in 147 at-bats with the Marlins last season. He should see some at-bats against left-handed pitching.

The Marlins have informed Austin Kearns that he will make the Opening Day roster.

Per the terms of Kearns' minor league contract, the Marlins were required to make a decision on his status by Tuesday. The 32-year-old batted .245/.366/.367 with four home runs in 147 at-bats with the Marlins last season and could see some at-bats against left-handed pitching.

Austin Kearns went 0-for-3 on Monday, leaving him 2-for-21 with nine strikeouts this spring.

Kearns was a rather effective part-timer for the Marlins last season, hitting .245/.366/.367 with four homers in 147 at-bats, but he's not promised anything this spring. He probably needs to step it up in order to retain his spot.

Marlins re-signed OF Austin Kearns to a minor league contract.

He'll receive an invitation to spring training. Kearns batted an acceptable .245/.366/.367 with four homers over 87 games last season for the Fish and hit .325 (13-for-40) as a pinch-hitter. He could wind up with some playing time in left field, where the Marlins' current projected starter is Juan Pierre.

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson hears that Austin Kearns is likely to re-sign with the Marlins.

He'd probably have to settle for another minor league deal. Kearns batted .245/.366/.367 with four homers over 87 games last season for the Fish and hit .325 (13-for-40) as a pinch-hitter.

Austin Kearns returned to action on Thursday September 27.

Austin Kearns (back) struck out as a pinch-hitter Wednesday in the Marlins' loss to the Braves.

Kearns was also used as a pinch-hitter on Tuesday and went down via groundout. The veteran outfielder is doubtful to get more than a couple starts down the stretch.

Austin Kearns returned to action on Wednesday September 26.

Austin Kearns (back) grounded out in a pinch-hit appearance Tuesday.

Kearns hadn't played in a game since last Friday due to a sore back. He should be ready to return to the starting lineup within the next couple of days.

Austin Kearns returned to action on Tuesday September 25.

Austin Kearns is dealing with a sore back.

It's not clear how long it's been bothering him, but Kearns has started just a few times in the last couple weeks. With Giancarlo Stanton and Justin Ruggiano also banged up, the Marlins have called up Scott Cousins.

Austin Kearns (hamstring, elbow) won't be activated from the disabled list for another day or two.

Kearns is completely past his right hamstring strain, but he was plunked in the elbow during a rehab game Wednesday evening at High-A Jupiter and has lingering swelling. He's been out of commission since May 23.