14 Mark Kotsay, LF

Padres outfielder Mark Kotsay returned to the starting lineup Saturday against the Rays as a designated hitter.

Kotsay, who had been out since April 30 with a back injury, singled in the seventh inning for his only hit of the night. He finished 1 for 3 with a run scored in an 8-7 defeat.

Kotsay is hitting .310/.375/.345 in his first 29 at-bats.

With the Padres playing in an American League park Saturday against the Rays, Mark Kotsay will make his first appearance in the month of May as the team's designated hitter.

Kotsay has been held out since April 30 due to a back injury. He is hitting 308 (8 for 26) with two RBI, while starting just five games on the season. 

Padres outfielder Mark Kotsay was held out of the starting lineup Friday night against the Rays as he continues to battle a back injury.

Kotsay, who has been sidelined since April 30, is hitting 308 (8 for 26) with two RBI. The 37-year-old veteran does not see everyday at-bats. In fact, he has only started in five games this season for the Padres.

Padres outfielder Mark Kotsay has not played since April 30 due to a back injury, U-T San Diego reports. Kotsay is batting .308 (8 for 26) with two RBI on the year.

"Today’s the first time I can probably work in the outfield," Kotsay said Tuesday. "I worked it out to the point that the disabled list isn’t a possibility. I just did a lot of things with my back in that game and it acted up on me."