Smith's strained groin showing improvement

WASHINGTON -- There was positive news on Saturday morning about Seth Smith's strained right groin.

San Diego manager Bud Black said that Smith would try to take some swings in the batting cage before Saturday's game against the Nationals. Black also said the outfielder might do some light jogging on Sunday.

According to Black, there's a chance Smith -- who sustained the injury in Thursday's victory -- could be ready to get back in the starting lineup during a series in San Francisco that begins on Monday.

Smith suffered the strain chasing a Jose Lobaton double down the left-field line in the 10th inning. The Padres went on to win the game, 4-3, in 12 innings.

"When I was running toward the left-field line, I felt it tweak on me," Smith said. "I've had something similar before in Colorado, where I think I missed three games."

The Padres played their second game two men short on the bench on Saturday, as the reserves were Alexi Amarista, Nick Hundley, and Yasmani Grandal.