NEW YORK (AP) -San Diego Padres third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff sat out again Wednesday night with a sore lower back, shifting prized prospect Chase Headley back to his original position.
Kouzmanoff tweaked his back while taking grounders during batting practice Tuesday at Yankee Stadium and missed San Diego’s 8-0 loss to New York in the series opener.
He’ll probably be sidelined three to five days, though there’s an “outside chance” he could wind up on the disabled list, manager Bud Black said.
Kouzmanoff was hitting .263 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs. He will be re-evaluated when the team returns home this weekend, Black said.
The third baseman did not tear a muscle or break a bone, according to Black.
Headley, recalled from the minors before Tuesday night’s game, started at third base Wednesday and will play there for the next few days, Black said.
Considered a top prospect, Headley was converted from third base to left field in spring training. But he did make eight starts at third for Triple-A Portland this season, Black said.
“He is a third baseman by nature,” Black added. “I think this will be something that he’ll respond to with no problem. He’s very strong mentally. He’s not going to let this affect him.”
Headley started in left field Tuesday night and went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and two strikeouts.
Paul McAnulty played left field Wednesday, returning to the lineup after straining his lower back Sunday at Cleveland. McAnulty was close to 100 percent, Black said.
Another ailing outfielder, Scott Hairston, was available off the bench. Hairston has been sidelined with a hyperextended left elbow.
Add A Comment