The Padres are slowly getting players back from the DL - two in particular from the injuries created by the freight train known as Albert Pujols .
Josh Bard returned on Friday after missing the last 54 games with a significantly sprained ankle, and has promptly gone 4-for-8 with a homer and 4 RBI in the past two games. For those desperately scouring the free agent list for a catcher worth starting, you could take a shot with Bard. Over the past two seasons, he has shown the ability to hit for a decent average (.285 in ‘07, .338 in ‘06) while splitting time behind the dish, though Sabermetrics buffs will point to his ridiculous .374 BABIP in ‘06 and call it a complete mirage (can’t totally disagree, as he is probably closer to a .270 hitter in reality - still worthwhile at a thin catcher’s position). If you own Kenji Johjima orJason Varitek , you can pull the trigger here.
The long-anticipated return of Chris Young is also nearing, as he will take to the hill tomorrow against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Feel free to start him in his first turn out, as the start takes place at home at Petco Field - just temper your expectations as he will likely not throw deep into the game.
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