Marquis not ready to call it quits

SAN DIEGO -- Jason Marquis turned 35 last month and did so while on the disabled list following Tommy John surgery on July 30. Marquis, who has played with eight teams over 14 big league seasons, was asked Monday if he still has miles on his right arm.

"I do," he said. "I still want to play. I'm excited. This is a new challenge."

Marquis, who was 9-5 with a 4.05 ERA in 20 starts for the Padres this season, returned to San Diego this week to continue his rehabilitation work with the training staff.

After 1,921 Major League innings, Marquis isn't ready to call it a career just yet.

"I went over it with my wife and decided that I'm only 35 and I feel great," Marquis said. "I got it fixed and now we're planning some rehab and I'll work as hard as I normally do."

Marquis made his last appearance with the Padres on July 19, when he allowed six runs in 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the Cardinals. He started fast this season, winning nine games by June 15. But he was winless in his last six starts.

Marquis signed a one-year deal in December for $3 million. He's unsure of where he'll land or when he will be able to pitch again, though he's certain he will return.

"I got my full range of motion already," he said. "This week I start weight-bearing movements, doing all my shoulder and elbow stuff. I feel in midseason form without being able to throw."