Latest Xander Bogaerts injury update adds dash of mystery to Padres' playoff prep

How should Padres fans feel about Xander Bogaerts' return? It's been a bit of a whirlwind trying to figure out the timeline of the All-Star shortstop's return, who has been sidelined for almost three weeks after fouling a ball off his foot in a game.

Bogaerts was cleared for baseball activities this past week, which hinted that there was a steady progression being made to get him back on the field. Or that's how it seemed, at least, so maybe it's justified if fans start feeling worried.

Bogaerts is not back-tracking, but he is slowly getting back to full form. It was reported that Bogaerts is not sprinting yet, and there is "no firm timeline" on the 32-year-old coming back to the starting lineup. This isn't a nightmare update, but it definitely is not comforting, either.

Padres aren't rushing Xander Bogaerts back to the field yet, just like a few other players

Bogaerts is not the only injured Padre currently surrounded by question marks and a murky return. Reliever David Morgan is hopeful of pitching again this year after sitting on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. There was even talk that Joe Musgrove could potentially pitch this year after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but no one really has the answers right now. But at the end of the day, we just don't know who will come back, and when.

It's difficult to place any blame on the Padres for not providing a clear answer. The team is on the brink of making the postseason, and the decision-makers don't want to do anything rash. That's fair, right? Forcing hurt players to play is not a good idea, but hopefully we will have a more concrete idea of what the Padres' playoff roster will look like soon. San Diego may not need Musgrove or Morgan in the postseason this year, but they would be worse off without the experienced bat of Bogaerts.