San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth has not appeared in an MLB game since May 4, missing 45 straight games. He was added to the seven-day injured list on May 5 due to concussion symptoms.
It's made for an odd situation, considering the symptoms stem from the 32-year-old getting hit in the jaw while up to bat against the Los Angeles Angels back on April 18. However, after more than a month since being placed on the injured list, he is making some progress.
This season, the second baseman hasn't played up to his usual standards. He has accumulated 13 runs scored, 14 hits, one home run and four RBIs in 97 at-bats. The two-time All-Star is slashing .144/.272/.196 with a .468 OPS.
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Despite his struggles, the Padres are ramping him up to return. On Thursday, San Diego's Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso Chihuahuas, announced that Cronenworth will begin his rehab assignment with the team as they play the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
"CRONE ZONE ALERT," the Chihuahuas wrote via an X post. "Jake Cronenworth is scheduled to begin his MLB rehab assignment tonight against Sugar Land."
The Padres are hoping that some time off and a stint in the minors will help the seventh-year veteran get back on track.
Since making his debut with the Padres in 2020, he has been a key piece to their lineup. With a career slash line of .244/.333/.399 and a .732 OPS, he's provided San Diego with steady production at the plate.
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While it's unclear how long the Padres will wait to bring him back, this is his first in-game action since initially being placed on the injured list. It marks an important step in his return as San Diego will evaluate his readiness to return to the big league club.
