Heyward returns to San Diego’s lineup following a two-week absence recovering from left knee inflammation. The 35-year-old veteran outfielder’s days as a fantasy-relevant contributor are long gone, but he remains a strong fourth outfielder on a playoff contending roster.

Heyward will be out at least a week while he recovers from the inflammation, and the Padres won’t play shorthanded. Tirso Ornelas will be up as an outfield option while Heyward recovers.

Heyward will miss his second straight game due to left knee soreness. It’ll be Connor Joe patrolling center field in his absence.

It was likely a precautionary measure as the Padres can’t really afford to take too many chances with their outfield depth nearing razor-thin territory until Jackson Merrill (hamstring) returns from the injured list.