Chase Headley has been sent back to San Diego to have his fractured pinkie examined by team doctors. Headley suffered the injury Saturday while sliding and could be in danger of missing an extended period of time. The Padres have asked top outfield prospect James Darnell to fly to New York just in case he's needed.

Chase Headley (pinkie) will not be placed on the disabled list yet. "We'll see how it plays out in the next couple of days," Padres manager Bud Black said. It's hard to imagine Headley being ready to play in under two weeks when he has a fractured and possibly dislocated pinkie finger, but evidently the Pads aren't ready to make a roster move with him just yet. The DL is still very much a possibility if Headley doesn't make significant strides in the next few days.

Chase Headley hit a grand slam in the Padres' 15-5 rout of the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Friday. Headley took Jeff Karstens deep in a six-run fourth inning for the Friars. The bomb was just his fourth of the season. Through 106 games, he's now batting .292 with 42 RBI.

Chase Headley went 2-for-4 with a triple, a stolen base and an RBI in Sunday's win over the Rockies. Headley's all-around game is underrated. He swiped 17 bags a year ago and is now up to 11 already this season. NL-only owners should take note.

Chase Headley (calf) is back in Friday's lineup against the Phillies. As expected. Headley was out of the lineup for the previous five games while nursing a right calf strain, though he was able to pinch-hit on Thursday.

Chase Headley returned to action on Thursday July 21.

Chase Headley (calf) is out of the Padres' lineup for the fifth straight game Thursday. Not a surprise. The good news is that he is expected to avoid the disabled list and return to the starting lineup Friday. Alberto Gonzalez will make another start at the hot corner Thursday and bat seventh against right-hander Javier Vazquez.

Chase Headley (calf) is expected to return to the Padres' lineup on Friday. Headley has missed each of the last four games, but the good news is that his strained calf is feeling much better. He reported no soreness after going through a rigorous workout Tuesday that included taking ground balls and batting practice.

Chase Headley (calf) could return to the lineup as early as Thursday. Headley took what he referred to as "the biggest jump forward" with his calf injury Wednesday. Though he could be back Thursday, Friday might be more likely. He's been sidelined since last Saturday with the calf ailment.

Chase Headley (calf) is scheduled to take ground balls and batting practice Tuesday. Headley hasn't played since straining his right calf during Friday's game against the Giants. He is still hoping to avoid a stint on the disabled list.