Short hops

• Outfielder Alex Dickerson, who severely sprained his left ankle last week, has returned to San Diego for additional tests. Dickerson, likely ticketed the start the season with Triple-A El Paso, had an MRI this week that revealed the sprain.

• Chris Denorfia, who was in the starting lineup Thursday in right field, was a late scratch before the game with a sore right shoulder. Will Venable moved from right to center field and Kyle Blanks was inserted into the lineup in right field.