Wil Myers’s giant smiling face looked down on the Padres players and coaches on the field Monday afternoon for early batting practice.

As is standard, the video board crew at Coors Field was testing its graphics and chose Myers as the Padres player to display on the 8,369 square-foot high-definition board looming over the left-field seats.

Oh, the cruel irony.

Myers won’t play this series. Of all places.


In 110 career plate appearances at Coors Field, Myers’ hitting line is .330/.400/.681. A year ago Tuesday, he hit for the cycle in this ballpark.

“I do like playing here,” Myers said. “It’s killing me.”

He also likely won’t be playing for the Padres next series, either.

Myers is on this trip as he continues to work back from the nerve irritation in his right arm that has sidelined him since he left a game April 2. He is eligible to come off the disabled list Friday, though that is increasingly unlikely, if not impossible.


While Myers said he feels better every day — “It felt good today; best day so far” — Monday was his first time standing in a batter’s box tracking pitches (without swinging) during a bullpen session.

He may resume swinging in the next couple days. However, even if that happens, next week seems a more realistic target for his return. He has also yet to throw, and throws from the outfield are what caused him the greatest discomfort.”

“I don’t expect him to come off right at 10 days,” manager Andy Green said. “He’s going to have to swing a bat for a few days. The longer it gets, the more likely a rehab assignment becomes as well. … We’re hoping. It’s not coming as quickly as we’d like it to.”

Myers had three hits in the five at-bats that preceded his being shut down.


The Padres can only hope he is back by April 20, when the team begins a six-game trip to Arizona and Colorado. Those are the two road ballparks where Myers hits best.

In 237 plate appearances at Coors and Chase Field, he has 13 home runs and a .330/.413/.621 hitting line.

“I wouldn’t mind playing there,” Myers said with a laugh. “I’m doing everything I can to make sure I play those two places.”

kevin.acee@sduniontribune.com