Alonso 'feeling good,' to begin rehab stint soon

LOS ANGELES -- Starved for runs, the Padres could be close to getting one of their most productive bats back in the lineup.

First baseman Yonder Alonso, who has missed the last 15 games with a bone bruise in his right shoulder, will hit on the field Monday in Anaheim and will likely begin a rehabilitation assignment on Wednesday.

Alonso, who was leading the team with a .333 average in 26 games, has been hitting in the batting cage this weekend while the team was in Los Angeles to face the Dodgers.

The Padres open a three-game series in Anaheim on Monday against the Angels.

Manager Bud Black said Alonso would likely start his rehab assignment with High-A Lake Elsinore on Wednesday, possibly Thursday.

Alonso, who injured his shoulder when he landed awkwardly on it in a game in Arizona on May 7, said he's been steadily increasing his workload in preparation for Monday's batting practice session.

"I was able to go through my routine, I was able to hit some balls off the tee and hit some balls off front toss. Day by day, I'm increasing my load," he said. "I'm feeling good, responded well to [Friday's] work."

The Padres had used Wil Myers at first base in Alonso's absence, though he's since landed on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left wrist. Yangervis Solarte has seen the most time at first base recently.

The Padres could certainly use Alonso's left-handed bat. They are 12th in the National League in batting average against right-handed pitchers (.236) and 14th in on-base percentage against righties (.286). They also have been shut out eight times this season, and six times in their last 18 games heading into Sunday's series finale against the Dodgers.