Padres Receive Positive Xander Bogaerts Injury Update Before Playoffs

San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts, sidelined since late August with a fractured left foot, has been cleared to resume baseball activities, raising hopes for his return before the regular season ends. Bogaerts, who had begun to improve his performance before the injury, was seen without a walking boot and has started light baseball activities such as throwing and hitting, though he is still awaiting doctor clearance for running. His absence has forced the Padres to use less productive options at shortstop, such as Jose Iglesias and Jake Cronenworth, which has impacted the team's offense during a critical playoff push. Bogaerts, in the third year of an 11-year, $280 million contract, is hitting .262 with 10 home runs and a .717 OPS this season, and his return is seen as vital for the Padres to maintain their position in the National League Wild Card race and pursue a deep postseason run. Manager Mike Shildt remains cautiously optimistic about Bogaerts' recovery, emphasizing that while progress is encouraging, there are still hurdles to overcome before a full return. The Padres currently hold the second Wild Card spot and are within striking distance of the NL West lead, making Bogaerts' health a key factor in their playoff aspirations.