Juan Pierre’s job is to get the Florida Marlins started on offense. Now they might have to begin the season without him.

Pierre dislocated his right pinkie Sunday while sliding headfirst on a steal attempt during a 9-1 loss to a New York Mets split squad in Jupiter, Fla. He was writhing in pain before heading to the clubhouse.

The World Series champions aren’t sure when they’ll get their speedy leadoff hitter back. Pierre could return in a week if the injury is not too serious, or he might miss up to six weeks if there’s ligament damage.

Pierre, who led the majors last season with 65 steals, was scheduled to see a hand specialist Monday.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said his heart skipped “five beats” when he saw Pierre get hurt.

“I guarantee you he’ll be in the opening day lineup, even if he has to bunt four times,” Loria said.

Without complications, manager Jack McKeon speculated Pierre could return in four to seven days, which would be plenty of time for the April 6 opener. Abraham Nunez and Gerald Williams will see most of the action in center field while Pierre is out.

“Knowing Pierre, I would think he’ll play the last week of spring,” McKeon said.

Pierre reached on an infield single before getting hurt, boosting his spring training average to .488. He’s never been on the disabled list in more than three years in the majors.

Pierre hit .305 with 28 doubles in his first season with the Marlins last year. He sparked the offense with a career-high 204 hits.

The Minnesota Twins also lost a player to injury, right-hander Rick Helling. He will miss at least a month with a broken right leg after being hit by a line drive.

Helling signed a minor league contract with the Twins this season and was expected to be their No. 5 starter.