Smith Eyes Return During Padres’ Series With Giants

San Diego Padres outfielder Seth Smith could return to action early this week. Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

When Seth Smith strained his groin late last week against the Nationals, the hope was, with a weekend of rest, he could recover quickly enough to avoid the DL.

That hope seems to be coming to fruition this week.

Manager Bud Black told Corey Brock of MLB.com there is a chance the first year Padres outfielder could be back in the starting line-up sometime during the three game series at San Francisco. That series opens at 7:15 Monday night.

As reported Saturday by Brock, Smith spent time working on baseball activities during the final two days of the series in Washington.

Saturday this mostly included taking swings in the batting cage, a sign Smith could at least resume his role as a bat off the bench sooner than later. The results of Smith’s foray back into “light jogging” on Sunday would further determine his timetable for a return to full service.

The 31-year-old Smith, a .277/.385/.431 hitter with two home runs and seven RBI in 21 games so far this year, also told MLB.com he had a similar groin injury during his time in Colorado that kept him out three games.

A struggling Padres offense, covered in-depth by Friars on Base, could certainly use Smith’s bat. Fortunately, even if he cannot get comfortable to return early in the week, an extra off day Thursday should, at the latest, have Smith ready to produce again in time for the 10 game Padres home stand starting Friday.