SAN DIEGO -- The Padres have a rotation's worth of starters on the disabled list, but one of them is nearing a return.
Right-hander Miguel Diaz started in the Arizona Rookie League on Tuesday night, making his first rehab appearance after exiting his June 21 against the Cubs with a right forearm strain. The Rule 5 draftee had a 6.82 ERA in 31 2/3 innings before the injury.
Manager Andy Green said Diaz's next step would be an outing with Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore, after which a return to San Diego would soon follow.