Will Venable's launched his first career grand slam in Wednesday's season finale against the Cubs. Quite a finish for Venable, who ends the year hitting .246/.310/.395. He likely will continue being a part-time contributor for the Padres next season.

Will Venable hit a solo home run in Monday's win over the Cubs. Venable's eighth home run of the season was his third of the month. Hitting .249/.310/.392 in 401 plate appearances this season, Venable has made a solid case to return as San Diego's fourth outfielder in 2012.

Will Venable returned to action on Friday September 23.

Will Venable won't play before Friday due to a back injury. He is apparently having issues in a different spot where he had back spasms earlier this season. The 28-year-old outfielder is batting .250/.313/.389 with seven homers, 38 RBI, 26 stolen bases and a .702 OPS over 391 plate appearances in 2011.

Will Venable returned to action on Wednesday September 14.

Will Venable tested his ailing shoulder with a game of catch before Monday's tilt with the Giants. Venable hasn't started a game since last Friday due to soreness in his throwing shoulder. If he wakes up without lingering discomfort Tuesday, he could return to the lineup.

Will Venable went 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBI in Sunday's win over the Marlins. Venable won the game for the Padres with an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning. Now playing every day, his power/speed upside is worth a look in all formats. He already has two homers, 11 RBI and four steals in 19 August games.

Will Venable went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in San Diego's 10-inning loss to the Mets on Monday. He took R.A. Dickey deep in the seventh inning. Venable's fourth home run of the season was his second in 24 games since the All-Star break. He's batting .338 with 11 RBI and seven stolen bases since the Midsummer Classic.

Will Venable (back) is back in the Padres' starting lineup Friday against the Pirates. Venable hasn't been in the starting lineup since last Thursday due to back spasms. The 28-year-old outfielder is batting .278/.357/.412 with three homers and eight RBI over 112 plate appearances since being recalled from the minors in early-June. He could be useful in NL-only and even deeper mixed formats if he can stay healthy.

Will Venable (back) walked and grounded out in Tuesday's loss to the Dodgers. Venable entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the seventh and was intentionally walked. He later grounded out for the final out of the ballgame. The 28-year-old outfielder had sat out the previous four games with back spasms, but should be good to go moving forward.