Maybin could return during current road trip

MILWAUKEE -- Outfielder Cameron Maybin, who ruptured his left biceps March 2, could be reinstated and added to the Padres' 25-man roster during this 10-game road trip.

"There is a chance he could join us on this trip," Padres manager Bud Black said.

On Saturday, Maybin played in his seventh Minor League rehabilitation game with Triple-A El Paso. He's hitting .192 with five strikeouts in 27 plate appearances. But, as Black said, his at-bats have been better recently, maybe not so much in terms of hits, but he's been getting solid contact.

Maybin has three hits in his last two games with the Chihuahuas.

"Cameron has played enough games to where he should be feeling comfortable, back playing regularly, should have confidence in his biceps, should have confidence in his swing and his play," Black said. "The last couple of days in Triple-A, he's shown that. That does lead me to believe he's getting closer to San Diego."

Maybin suffered his injury making a diving catch in a Spring Training game. After an MRI revealed the ruptured tendon, he and the team opted against surgery, which would have kept him out longer.

Maybin's rehabilitation stint with El Paso started on April 11 and he has 20 days -- not games -- to complete it. That would allow him to be eligible on May 1, though, obviously, he could be ready well before then.

When Maybin is ready to come off the disabled list, the Padres will need to make room for him on the 25-man roster, which could mean dropping the third catcher they're carrying or sending an outfielder to the Minor Leagues.