Quentin's Cactus League debut cut short by rain

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- It was a very brief Cactus League debut for Padres outfielder Carlos Quentin on Friday, as he had two plate appearances before rain canceled the game after three innings.

Quentin, starting as the designated hitter against the White Sox, was hit by a pitch in the first inning and later lined out to center field in a game played at Camelback Ranch.

"Strong, barrel contact on the sweet spot," Quentin said.

Quentin, who had minor surgery on his right knee in October, has been brought along slowly this spring, though he has been able to participate in nearly every drill. With a longer Spring Training, the team saw no need to rush him into games in February.

He would have liked to have gotten a few more at-bats Friday, but this was a start, he said.

"It was good, got some adrenaline going, there were butterflies," he said. "[I'm] just kind of getting going. I tracked some pitches, I hit my pitch."

San Diego manager Bud Black said last week that it's possible that Quentin, who will start in left field, could get upwards of 60 at-bats before Opening Day on April 1.

Quentin will likely play every other day for a while, getting time in left field and also getting starts as the designated hitter.