Cronenworth hit the ground running in his first rehab game on Tuesday, blasting a home run and walking three times. He’ll play another rehab game on Wednesday and could rejoin the Padres in Colorado on Friday. If he does return this weekend, that could mean that Tyler Wade moves back to his role as a utility player off the bench.

Cronenworth didn’t show any signs of rust in his rehab debut and figures to return to San Diego’s lineup at some point later this week. The 31-year-old infielder has been out since mid-April working his way back from a non-displace fracture in his right ribs.

Cronenworth is set to play a pair of rehab games for the Chihuahuas and could return to San Diego’s lineup at some point later this week. The 31-year-old infielder has been on the shelf since April 11 recovering from a non-displaced right rib fracture.

Cronenworth missed the last couple of games due to what they thought was cramping after being hit by a pitch during Sunday’s game, but it turns out that he was dealing with a small fracture. No word yet on how long he’s expected to be shelved for. Tyler Wade was promoted from Triple-A to take his place on the Padres’ active roster.