Yonder Alonso to take a few days off to rest knee

SAN DIEGO -- First baseman Yonder Alonso will not start Sunday against the Mariners, nor Monday in Houston, due to a sore left knee. Alonso said he tweaked the knee sliding on the last road trip, though the pain is more the result of accumulated wear and tear.

"Alonso has a little bit of a cranky knee that we're gonna rest for a day or two ... this is not a situation where he's gonna be on the DL," Padres Manager Bud Black said. "Like all players, once you start the season and get into it, there's always something that's been nagging you. You go in that locker room, there's just something that doesn't quite feel 100 percent ... he got an injection last night to help the soreness, doctors think this will be what he needs to get over the hump."

The 25-year-old Alonso is currently second among Major League rookies with 17 doubles, and is tied for the fourth-most hits (64) in that group. He is hitting .254 with two homers and 18 RBIs in 70 games this season.

"It's sore, but I'll be ready in Houston," Alonso said. "I'll be fine."

Veteran left-handed bat Mark Kotsay will start in Alonso's place at first base on Sunday against right-hander Hector Neosi, and Black said he expects Jesus Guzman to handle first tomorrow night against Houston lefty Wandy Rodriguez.


(mlb.com)