Cameron Maybin returns to Padres lineup today
Apr 9, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Cameron Maybin (24) at bat during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)
The San Diego Padres could use the return of Cameron Maybin to spark the NL’s least scoring offense.
According to a report from Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego Padres’ center fielder Cameron Maybin has been activated from the disabled list. He will be in the starting lineup for today’s game against the Washington Nationals, batting 7th in the batting order.
Maybin has been on the DL since suffering a left biceps tendon during a spring training game on March 2nd. After consulting with team physicians, Maybin opted to take rest and rehab over surgery.
Lin also notes that Maybin has played in 10 rehab games and managed a batting average of .243 (9-for-37) with a home run. The most important aspect of Maybin’s rehab stint was to maintain his health. As he told Lin:
"“Made it out and still feeling good,” he said. “Whole body’s feeling good.”"
Recall the there was a cloud hanging over Maybin’s injury. It was initially thought he would miss the majority of the season – if not the entire season – due to this injury. After further examination and discussion, the decision was reached for the route Maybin chose. Seeing as he’s back, rest and rehab appear to have been the necessary tonic.
Considering the Padres have struggled offensively, Maybin’s return is also a positive in that sense. San Diego has scored only 65 runs in their first 25 games (2.6 runs/game), worst in the National League. With that offense, it’s hard to imagine the team sports a record of 11-14. The pitching staff has allowed 3.5 runs per game during this span. That’s 5th best in the NL.
With the activation of Maybin, the club has optioned Kevin Quackenbush to their Triple-A affiliate in El Paso of Pacific Coast League.