SAN DIEGO -- Hunter Renfroe is making a loud case for a return trip to San Diego.

Since his demotion to Triple-A El Paso nine days ago, the rookie right fielder has torn apart the Pacific Coast League -- much as he did in 2016 when he won the PCL MVP Award.

Renfroe had struggled at the dish for about two months in San Diego, and the Padres responded by optioning him to El Paso on Aug. 19. On Monday, Renfroe took home PCL Player of the Week honors in his first week there this season. He batted .524/.583/1.000 with seven of his 11 hits going for extra bases.

Padres skipper Andy Green is no doubt pleased with the results. But he added that Renfroe's current Minor League stint is more about adjustments than results.

"I see some concerted effort for him to do what we've asked him to do," Green said. "It's been nice to see some results for him, but it's not about results at all. It wasn't a concern what he could do at Triple-A, how he would hit. It was about seeing some effort in certain areas. I think there's some really positive signs with the way he's handled it."

With rosters set to expand on Sept. 1, might Renfroe's hot streak mean a callup is imminent? Green wasn't willing to go that far.

"We'll continue to evaluate that as the rest of his time unfolds there in El Paso," Green said.

Renfroe was batting just .227/.277/.420 during the second half with San Diego. After some initial progress regarding his plate discipline, he had taken a step back over the past two months. In that regard, it's perhaps a good sign Renfroe has walked three times and struck out just twice in El Paso.

In any case, the Padres are keeping a close eye on their once-prized prospect. Green has watched each of Renfroe's at-bats the moment he's received video of them.

"He might not be here in the ballpark but he's not been far from the coaching staff's mind," Green said.

Aybar on the mend

Erick Aybar is recovering quicker than expected from the broken bone in his right foot. He's been taking ground balls for about a week and could be nearing a rehab assignment. On Monday, Aybar ran the bases at full speed for the first time.

"I can't wait," Aybar said. "I want to get back onto the field quickly."

The location of Aybar's rehab stint could be dependent upon some of the Padres' Minor League affiliates -- and whether they reach the postseason.

Diaz slated to join El Paso

Rookie right-hander Miguel Diaz will make another rehab appearance with El Paso this week. He'll join the big league club afterward if all goes smoothly.

Diaz's outing this week rules him out as a potential starter for Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers. But Thursday's off-day could allow the Padres to simply slide Diaz to the back of the rotation, giving the rest of the staff proper rest. If that scenario unfolds, Diaz would pitch Sept. 5 against St. Louis.