HOUSTON -- In mid-March, Franchy Cordero was on the fast track to the big leagues. Arguably the Padres' best hitter during Spring Training, Cordero found himself as a favorite for an outfield place on the Padres' Opening Day roster.
Instead, he'll open his season with Triple-A El Paso, the result of a groin injury he sustained 10 days before breaking camp in Peoria, Ariz.
Cordero, the club's No. 10 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, began a rehab stint on Friday night. The 23-year-old outfielder could be destined for a callup as soon as he proves himself healthy.