Injured Gyorko still in 'mode of shutdown'

SEATTLE -- The walking boot that second baseman Jedd Gyorko has worn since going on the disabled list on June 6 with plantar fasciitis in his left foot could come off as soon as Friday.

But San Diego manager Bud Black said Tuesday that Gyorko is still a long ways off from returning to the field.

"He's not even close to coming off [the disabled list]. He's still in a mode of shutdown. He's very limited activity," Black said. "The foot isn't healing very quickly, so it's going to be a while before we see Jedd."

At the time of the injury -- which didn't occur because of one specific incident -- Gyorko was hitting .162 with five home runs and 24 RBIs. He hasn't played in a game since June 3, but he still leads the team in RBIs (24). Chase Headley is second in RBIs with 23.

"Jedd's a good player. He had a very tough two months to start the season," Black said. "... Our faith in Jedd is very strong, and it's tough that he's not in our lineup. When he's going well, he's a very productive offensive player."