Kennedy inching closer to Minor League rehab start

SAN DIEGO -- Ian Kennedy, six days removed from suffering a left hamstring strain in his first start, got back on a mound on Wednesday, throwing a bullpen session at Petco Park.

Kennedy, currently on the 15-day disabled list, will throw another bullpen on Friday at Wrigley Field, as the Padres prepare for a three-game series against the Cubs.

If he emerges from the bullpen sessions feeling fine, he'll join a Minor League affiliate for a rehab start, manager Bud Black said. Kennedy will throw between 75 and 90 pitches.

"Ian is feeling good, and we're encouraged by his progress," Black said.

Video: MEX@SD: Kennedy fans Figueroa to start the game

Kennedy only pitched 2 1/3 innings his last time out, in last Thursday's home opener against the Giants. He strained the hamstring at the end of the second inning and tried to pitch the third, but soon felt it would be smart to get out of the game and get treatment.

Odrisamer Despaigne filled in that day, retiring all 14 hitters he faced. Then on Tuesday, making his first start for Kennedy, Despaigne allowed one run in seven innings. Despaigne's next start will come on Monday in Denver against the Rockies.

Video: ARI@SD: Despaigne allows one run over seven innings

Kennedy, at this point, needs to show the team his hamstring is healthy and that he has enough endurance and stamina to work deep in a game. He pitched six innings in a game the final week of Spring Training, then three innings in an exhibition game against Mexico City on April 4.

Is it possible Kennedy might need a second Minor League game to build his stamina, thus providing an opportunity for Despaigne to get a third start in his place?

"It's possible," Black said. "He's got to build his pitch-count when he starts. Then we will evaluate him after that [Monday] game."