Padres' Tingler 'definitely optimistic' Pham can return for postseason
The San Diego Padres seem poised to break a 13-year playoff drought, and star outfielder Tommy Pham should be along for the ride.
"I'm definitely optimistic," manager Jayce Tingler said when asked about the possibility of Pham returning by the end of September, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Pham is taking outfield drills and still working to improve his grip after undergoing surgery on the hamate bone of his left hand on Aug. 17.
The 32-year-old is hitting .207/.316/.293 with two homers and six stolen bases over 23 games for the upstart Padres.
San Diego acquired Pham and Jake Cronenworth this past offseason from the Tampa Bay Rays for Hunter Renfroe and Xavier Edwards.
The Padres entered Sunday with a 24-17 record, good for second place in the NL West. The team's last postseason appearance came in 2006 when it won the division with an 88-74 record before losing to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.