Rehabbing Quentin expects to join Padres soon

SAN DIEGO -- Outfielder Carlos Quentin pushed a cart filled with his belongings into the home clubhouse at Petco Park on Saturday, a sign his Minor League rehabilitation stint could be coming to an end soon.

But when does Quentin -- who hasn't played a game thus far because of a bone bruise he sustained in his left knee in Spring Training -- expect to get into a big league game?

"I would say sooner than later," he said.

Quentin hit a home run on Friday playing for Triple-A El Paso in Fresno, Calif. He'll get treatment and will also go through his normal workout routine Saturday at Petco Park before heading up I-15 to play Sunday at Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore.

"It's gone well, we're still making progress," Quentin said. "[Friday] was the first time I have gone back-to-back [starts in the field]."

Quentin played seven innings in left field Thursday for El Paso and nine on Friday. Being able to play in consecutive games in the field is one item on the checklist he must pass before being reinstated from the disabled list.

Quentin has had three surgeries on his right knee since he joined the Padres. In March, he injured the left knee making a sliding catch in a Spring Training game.

"I'm just trying to keep my body moving … it hasn't been moving in a while," Quentin said.

At this point, Quentin is itching to join his teammates, who would love to get his bat in the lineup on an everyday basis.

"I'm just happy to be playing," he said. "I want to come back and see if I can help."

So far, Quentin is hitting .188 in 16 at-bats between Lake Elsinore and El Paso.