LAKE ELSINORE —
Guaranteed to begin June with a .500 record for the first time since 2010, the Padres have reasons to inquire about Dallas Keuchel’s price tag. Dinelson Lamet is one reason to perhaps stand pat.
The 26-year-old right-hander took a significant step toward a return from last April’s Tommy John surgery with 2 2/3 lively innings on Wednesday at high Single-A Lake Elsinore. Lamet ran his fastball up to 98 mph, fanned five and allowed three runs on three singles and a walk to begin a lengthy rehab assignment aimed at a return to San Diego in the not-too-distant future.