Short hops

• Third baseman Chase Headley, who has missed the last six games with a sore back, took ground balls and batting practice before Tuesday's game against the Giants. Headley, who had back spasms in a game Aug. 27 against the D-backs, said his back was feeling better. If he doesn't start Wednesday then he'll certainly do so Friday when the team opens a three-game series against the Rockies.

• Outfielder Carlos Quentin had surgery on his right knee Tuesday in San Diego. The surgery was performed by team physician Heinz Hoenecke. As expected, the procedure was done on the patella area of the knee and included the removal of loose fragments, removing scar tissue and cleaning up loose cartilage. Quentin is expected to be ready for the start of Spring Training in mid-February.