Alonso working out with Tucson starting Saturday

WASHINGTON -- Injured Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso will take part in workouts and also batting practice with Triple-A Tucson beginning Saturday.

Alonso, who has been on the disabled list since June 6 (retroactive to May 31) with a broken bone in his right hand, isn't ready to start a rehabilitation assignment and play in games. But this could certainly be a precursor to that.

"He's going to get a feel for getting back into action," said Padres manager Bud Black. "We're happy the hand is healing. It's close.

"All the [CT] scans that have taken place, it has shown the bone is healing. There's less pain. And he feels good."

After Friday, the Padres play nine consecutive games before the All-Star break. Black said the team has no plans to simply give Alonso the All-Star break to give his hand additional time to heal.

"When you're ready, you're ready," Black said. "But again, we're going to do the most prudent thing."