Xander Bogaerts, Padres finally reveal the next steps of his rehab plan

The San Diego Padres recently received a positive update on injured middle infielder Xander Bogaerts.

The longtime shortstop and recently transitioned second baseman is ready to get back into action after almost a month and a half on the injured list with a fractured shoulder.

Bogaerts recently took batting practice for the first time and underwent a CT scan on July 1 to check the status of his healing.

His scans came back clear, and Bogaerts will be sent on a rehab assignment in the coming days. San Diego's manager Mike Shildt said there's still no clear timeline for Bogaerts' activation, but he believes his middle infielder will need 7-10 days of rehab with Triple-A El Paso.

Bogaerts' recovery has come along quickly, and San Diego was wise to place him on a short IL stint. A return before the All-Star break is possible for the veteran because his squad placed him on the 10-day IL instead of the 60-day.

Padres' Xander Bogaerts to go on rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso

Bogaerts also got lucky in the outcome of his injury. Trevor Story, his shortstop replacement on the Red Sox, attempted a similar diving play to the one Bogaerts was injured on back during an April 5 game. Story needed season-ending surgery to repair a glenoid fracture, which Bogaerts luckily avoided.

The second baseman's injury occurred during an offensive turnaround, though, which was a massive bummer. His early-season numbers were unimpressive for a player who's batted over .300 multiple times over his 12-year MLB career. He slashed .219/.265/.316 in his first 47 games with San Diego to kick off 2024, but batted .320/.308/.560 in the seven games leading up to his shoulder fracture.

Bogaerts' recovery has already moved faster than trainers anticipated. Hopefully, he can be back on the field for the Padres before the All-Star break and continue his offensive surge.

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