Cabrera nearing return from hamstring injury

BOSTON -- There's a good chance injured shortstop Everth Cabrera could rejoin the Padres on Thursday in Boston, though he likely won't be reinstated from the disabled list until Friday.

Cabrera played five innings at shortstop on Tuesday for Class A Fort Wayne and was scheduled to do so again on Wednesday.

"You could maybe see him tomorrow," said Padres manager Bud Black. "... Whether he's active is a different story."

If the organization is satisfied his left hamstring strain has healed enough, Cabrera could be activated Friday when the team opens a three-game series against the Nationals.

"Cabbie looked comfortable and was able to handle a few plays at shortstop and see a lot of pitches," said Padres vice president and assistant general manager A.J. Hinch, who saw Cabrera play. "He looked excited to be back on the field."

Cabrera was 0-for-3 in the game with a strikeout, though his swing is the least of the Padres' concerns. They want to see how he feels running the bases and how his hamstring holds up ranging to his left and right on defense.