Headley gets epidural to alleviate back pain

SAN DIEGO -- Third baseman Chase Headley had an epidural injection for his back Friday to help alleviate pain from a herniated disc, general manager Josh Byrnes said.

Headley was in the Padres' original lineup Friday against the Dodgers but was scratched four hours before first pitch.

"Chase has been bothered by a sore back. He's been playing through it. He's able to play. From the first day of Spring Training players get banged up," said Padres manager Bud Black. "We'll see where this goes the next couple of days. It's been affecting a little bit of his lower half as well."

Black indicated that he didn't think Headley would need a stint on the disabled list, which was a positive sign for a team that has first baseman Yonder Alonso (right wrist tendinitis) and second baseman Jedd Gyorko (plantar fasciitis, left foot) already on the disabled list.

Headley has started 27 of the Padres last 28 games and has two hits in his last 18 at-bats. Overall, he's hitting .200 with six home runs and 23 RBIs this season.

Alexi Amarista moved from second base to third base and rookie Jace Peterson got the start at second base in the first game of a three-game series at Petco Park.