Jake Cronenworth DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The San Diego Padres announced on Friday that they reinstated infielder Jake Cronenworth (rib) from the 10-day injured list and optioned outfielder Oscar Gonzalez to Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move. Fantasy managers will want to check back later, but Cronenworth should be back at second base for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Colorado Rockies and right-hander Antonio Senzatela at Coors Field. Cronenworth's return will push veteran Jose Iglesias back to a bench role. The 31-year-old Cronenworth will return after missing a month due to a non-displaced rib fracture that he suffered while being hit by a pitch. He went 3-for-7 with a home run during three minor-league rehab games and should return to being SD's everyday second baseman. Crone was hitting .257 (9-for-35) in the early going with two homers, five RBI and seven runs scored before going on the IL.

San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth (rib) started his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday and went 1-for-2 with a home run, two RBI, three runs scored, three walks and a strikeout. Cronenworth might only need two rehab games at El Paso before potentially joining the Friars for their series opener at Coors Field on Friday against the division-rival Colorado Rockies. Before joining El Paso, the 31-year-old veteran went 1-for-3 in the rookie-level Arizona Complex League. When Cronenworth returns to the Padres, he'll resume his role as their regular second baseman, sending Jose Iglesias back to a bench role in San Diego. The two-time All-Star went 9-for-35 (.257) with two home runs, two doubles, five RBI and seven runs scored in his first 12 games for the Pads before landing on the injured list with a non-displaced right-rib fracture.

San Diego Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth (rib) is expected to return to action next weekend, potentially Friday against the Rockies. The left-handed hitter has been taking live at-bats at the team's spring training complex in Arizona and will likely complete a short rehab assignment this upcoming week, although no particular destination has been reported yet. The 31-year-old was hitting .257 with a pair of home runs and an 8:9 BB:K through 12 games (44 PA) before the injury. Hitting in the middle of the Padres' order, Cronenworth offers some solid potential fantasy contributions after a 17-homer, 83-RBI season in 2024, so managers looking for help could consider picking him up if he was dropped, and the 2x All-Star is eligible at both 2B and 1B on Yahoo!.