Carlos Quentin (knee) is available to pinch-hit. Padres manager Bud Black said Quentin's right knee is feeling better, but he's not sure when the outfielder will be ready to start again. He seems likely to receive only a handful of at-bats down the stretch.

Padres manager Bud Black said how much Carlos Quentin (knee) plays down the stretch will be left up to him. Quentin returned to action Wednesday after missing six starts due to soreness in his surgically-repaired right knee, but he left the game early and didn't play Thursday. "He wants to play," said Black. "If he's ready to play, he'll play. We'll continue to monitor it." Fantasy owners shouldn't count on the outfielder over the final weeks.

Carlos Quentin (knee) is not in the Padres' starting lineup Thursday against the Diamondbacks. Qunetin returned to action Wednesday, going 1-for-2 with a run scored, but his surgically-repaired right knee has begun acting up again. It doesn't make much sense for the out-of-contention Friars to keep him active.

Carlos Quentin is back in the Padres' lineup Wednesday. Quentin had missed the last six starts due to soreness in his surgically-repaired right knee. He seems unlikely to be 100 percent for the rest of the season, and the Padres will probably give him regular days off. The Padres don't think he'll need another surgery on his knee this winter.

Carlos Quentin (knee) could be available to pinch-hit Tuesday. Quentin is not in the lineup for the sixth straight game due to soreness in his surgically-repaired right knee, but he has no plans to shut things down for the season. "I'm going to go out and get a lot more activity," Quentin said prior to batting practice Tuesday. "If it responds well, then we'll be closer." Even if Quentin does return, the Pads figure to rest him regularly. Fantasy owners shouldn't rely on him down the stretch.

Carlos Quentin (knee) is out of the Padres' starting lineup again on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks. Quentin hasn't played since last Monday because of discomfort in his surgically-repaired right knee. And the Padres haven't offered a timetable for his return.

Padres manager Bud Black doesn't think Carlos Quentin will require another surgery on his right knee, but he does believe the outfielder needs a new strength and conditioning program. Quentin has missed four straight games and six of the last nine contests due to soreness in the knee, which he had arthroscopic surgery on back in March. "This is going to be a situation we have to keep an eye on," said Black. "Any time there is surgery to a body part, you have to pay special attention moving forward." The Padres inked Quentin to a three-year extension in July.

Carlos Quentin (knee) is out of the Padres' lineup again Saturday. Quentin has now missed four straight starts due to soreness in his surgically-repaired knee. He's making progress, but will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis for now.

Carlos Quentin (knee) will be reevaluated Saturday. Quentin missed his third straight game Friday with soreness in his surgically-repaired right knee, and remains day-to-day. Alexi Amarista will continue to start in his place for now. Quentin hasn't been ruled out for this weekend's series against the Rockies.

Carlos Quentin (knee) is out of the Padres' starting lineup again Friday. Quentin hasn't played since Monday due to soreness in his surgically-repaired right knee. The Padres were hoping he would be ready after Thursday's off-day, but he evidently needs at least one more day. Alexi Amarista is starting in left field again Friday.