SAN DIEGO -- A familiar face popped up in the Padres' dugout for Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Giants: catcher Austin Hedges, who has been sidelined since April with right elbow tendinitis.
Come Sunday, he'll be sidelined no more. Hedges is expected to be activated from the disabled list ahead of San Diego's series finale against the Giants at AT&T Park.
In 24 games this season, Hedges was batting .173/.235/.293 with a pair of homers at the time of his injury. Despite those poor numbers, the Padres have undoubtedly missed his presence behind the plate. Hedges is widely regarded as one of the game's top defensive backstops.
It's been a long road back for the 25-year-old catcher. He had his first rehab stint shut down in May when the injury flared up unexpectedly. Still, Hedges left little doubt that he's ready for his return. He was hitting .385/.422/.718 on his rehab stints.
The Padres have yet to announce a corresponding roster move, though right-hander Jordan Lyles could be headed to the disabled list after he was scratched from Saturday's start with forearm tightness.
That said, it's entirely possible the Padres make more than one move Sunday, with their bullpen having been stretched thin already this series.