Major League Baseball

Padres 3B Headley out at least 2 weeks

Published Feb. 23, 2014 4:30 p.m. ET

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PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) With Chase Headley out for at least the next two weeks, San Diego manager Bud Black will get a chance to look at a handful of other options at third base.

Since Headley has already said he's not optimistic about himself and the team coming to agreement on a long-term contract before the start of the season, it could be a wise move for the Padres to be examining other possibilities.

Black said Sunday the team hopes to know more in the next few days about just how long Headley will be sidelined, but did say it would be at least two weeks. Headley is scheduled to have an MRI on his right calf on Monday.

Black said there would be four or five players he'll give a look to at third base while Headley is out.

''From an evaluation standpoint it's good to see those guys. We know what chase can do,'' Black said. ''Obviously players have to get ready for the season, but for the short term it will be good to get those guys exposed and they're up for it.''

Black expected Alexi Amarista and Ryan Jackson, both on the Padres' 40-man roster, to get time at third base, along with non-roster invitee Alberto Gonzalez. Black also said that top prospect Jace Peterson, who has played a shortstop in the minors, volunteered to move over and spend a little time at third base while Headley recovers.

Peterson hit .303 for Class A Lake Elsinore last season.

''We'll mix and match at third. It will be good for those guys to get exposed to third base. They'll get some ABs, they'll get some playing time.''

Headley had declared himself fit earlier in the week after minor offseason knee surgery.

Headley led the National League with 115 RBIs in 2012 before his numbers dipped last season, when he hit .262 with 12 homers and 64 RBIs. He signed a one-year, $10.5 million contact in January.

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