SAN DIEGO — The Padres are almost back to full strength as they go for their second consecutive series sweep.
Eric Hosmer and Fernando Tatis Jr. return from the injured list and are in the lineup against the Colorado Rockies.
Tatis tested positive for COVID-19 on May 9 and has not played since. Hosmer was deemed to have been in close contact with Wil Myers, whose positive test was found out during the Padres’ May 11 game in Colorado and resulted in both players being removed from that game. Myers is expected back Friday or Saturday.
The Padres lost one game playing without those three, plus Jurickson Profar and Jorge Mateo, who returned Tuesday.
Players who test positive can return 10 days after their positive test provided they test negative and are asymptomatic. Players found to have been in close contact with a COVID-19-positive person have to sit out seven days and can return after testing negative.
The Padres optioned infielder/outfielder Tucupita Marcano to Triple-A El Paso and also returned outfielder John Andreoli to El Paso.
Joe Musgrove makes his ninth start for the Padres. He allowed the Cardinals a run on five hits in five innings Friday, earning his first win since his April 9 no-hitter. The Rockies’ Garrett Hampson and C.J. Cron are both 2 for 3 against Musgrove. Trevor Story is 2 for 6.
Right-hander Chi Chi González starts for the Rockies. He has a 4.70 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in six starts (30 2/3 innings). Hosmer is 2 for 9 against Gonzalez. Manny Machado is 1 for 6 with a double.
The last time González faced the Padres, in a Sept. 8 start, he walked the first three batters he faced, struck out Mitch Moreland and hit Austin Nola before being removed. (Myers welcomed reliever Jose Mujica by hitting a grand slam.)
