Padres Hopeful That Quentin Isn’t Headed Back To DL

May 18, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin (18) hits a single in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres have been dealing with injured sluggers all season long, having missed both Carlos Quentin and Chase Headley for large chunks of the 2014 campaign. The team received a scare this past weekend in Colorado, as the recently activated Quentin injured his hamstring. Padres’ manager Bud Black told MLB.com’s Scott Miller that he is hoping that his slugger might be available for use as early as Wednesday night:

"Maybe use him in a pinch-hitting role for the next few days.”"

Black and the Padres are hoping that the injured hamstring won’t force Quentin back onto the disabled list. The team has been struggling to consistently put up runs all season long. After an offensive outburst against the Marlins and Rockies, Black is hopeful that keeping his team healthy and intact will lead to more consistent run production.

"We’re trying to keep him off of the disabled list…Hopefully, this is just a couple of days off from starting.”"

Quentin has had a long history of injuries, but when he’s healthy, he’s one of the most productive Padres’ hitters on the roster. He hit a long home run over the weekend, but has yet to start a game at home in San Diego. Until the hamstring is close to 100 percent, don’t expect to see that change anytime soon. As Black stated, Quentin may be relegated to pinch-hitting duties in crucial spots to keep from having to go on the disabled list for the second time this season.

The Padres conclude their brief 2-game set with the Minnesota Twins tonight from Petco Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. PDT.