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Decker to see more time in third big league stint

CINCINNATI -- Outfielder Jaff Decker received his third promotion to the Majors after Carlos Quentin was put on the disabled list on Friday, but this stint with the Padres figures to be different than the previous two.

Called up to replace the injured Cameron Maybin on June 12, Decker went up and back down without making an appearance. He was recalled for the second time about a week later and made two pinch-hit appearances, going 0-for-1 and reaching on an error and a walk.

Two hours before Saturday's game against the Reds, Decker had yet to arrive in Cincinnati. Once he did, though, manager Bud Black said the 23-year-old left-hander had a bigger role waiting for him with Quentin's status and eventual return from a strained right knee up in the air.

"You can expect Deck to get some starts," Black said. "You might see Deck in there tomorrow ... if he gets here."

Decker did eventually make it to Great American Ball Park before Saturday's contest, and Black said he was available to play.

In 100 games with Tucson this season, Decker batted .293 with nine home runs and 38 RBIs. Although his experience in the Majors is limited, Decker did get a bigger taste of Major League pitching in Spring Training, when he batted .175 with a homer and five RBIs while striking out 11 times in 40 at-bats.

Jeremy Warnemuende is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: San Diego Padres, Jaff Decker