Quentin nearing rehab assignment after testing knee

WASHINGTON -- Outfielder Carlos Quentin, on the 15-day disabled list with a bone bruise in his left knee, will be on the practice field at the Padres' Spring Training facility in Arizona on Monday.

"He'll be taking [batting practice], fly balls and doing baseball activities," said Padres manager Bud Black. "Most of his work will be done on the field, and less in the weight room or training room."

Quentin, who hasn't appeared in a game this season, spent the last few days at Petco Park running on the field to test his knee. He's at the point now where limitations are few.

The Padres would love to get Quentin's bat in the starting lineup as soon as possible, though they want to make sure he's physically sound before they do so. The feeling is that Quentin could need five or so days before he's ready to start a Minor League rehabilitation assignment.

"It will be nice to get all of our guys back," Black said.

The Padres' top two projected hitters, third baseman Chase Headley (strained right calf) and Quentin are on the disabled list. That's not good news for a team that ranks 30th in baseball in runs (65).