It's a common occurrence for a major-leaguer to play in a Triple-A game for a rehab assignment.
But Sunday's Tucson Padres game will feature three of them.
San Diego Padres second baseman Orlando Hudson and infielder Jarrett Hoffpauir are scheduled to begin rehab stints today with Tucson at Kino Stadium. Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star shortstop Rafael Furcal is on a rehab assignment with Albuquerque, Tucson's opponent.
Hudson's rehab stint with Tucson is expected to be two days - he's slated to play five innings today and seven innings Monday. He went on the disabled list May 4 with a right hamstring strain.
Hoffpauir's rehab stint is indefinite, and he will also accompany the team on the road. He will play primarily second base and shortstop with Tucson.
Manager Terry Kennedy said he was looking to play Hoffpauir, who is on the Padres' 60-day DL for a sore right quad, at short today.
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On Saturday, Furcal went 2 for 3 with two RBI singles, an RBI groundout and a walk. He also committed an error. He's recovering from a broken left thumb.
The Padres beat Albuquerque 7-4 Saturday. Jesus Guzman hit his third home run of the season, a solo shot in the fifth.
He gone
Left-handed reliever Randy Flores left the Tucson Padres on Saturday. A clause in his minor-league contract allowed him to become a free agent if the Padres didn't call him to the majors by today.
Flores, 35, was 1-2 with a 2.89 ERA with 19 strikeouts and six walks in 18 2/3 innings.
He earned the victory Friday after throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings. He has pitched in the majors with St. Louis, Colorado, Minnesota and Texas.
The Padres have one left-hander in their major-league bullpen, Cory Luebke.
"He's trying to do what's best for him and his family," Kennedy said about Flores. "If he keeps pitching like this, he'll probably have a shot with somebody before it's over.
"We're going to miss him. He's thrown very well for us. Plus, he's a great influence here, (with) his professionalism and the way he went about his business."
The Padres had yet to add a pitcher to replace Flores.
Another roster move
Closer Luis Perdomo returned Saturday from the temporary inactive list. He had left for the birth of his daughter, Jeily, on Tuesday. To make room for Perdomo, reliever Zach Herr left Tucson for High-A.
Away from the field
First baseman Anthony Rizzo spoke and walked in Saturday's 5K Tucson Lymphomathon at Reid Park. Pitcher Jeremy Hefner, Kennedy, hitting coach Bob Skube and their wives also walked.
Rizzo battled non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2008. Part of the trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez to Boston, Rizzo was batting .377 with 43 RBIs in 33 games before Saturday.
Team Padres raised $2,000 in donations.
"It was a nice event," general manager Mike Feder said. "I think people appreciated (Rizzo) being there."
Today
• Who: Albuquerque at Tucson
• When: 6 p.m.
