Padres news: Gavin Sheets' role gets update if he returns from injury before playoffs

The San Diego Padres have been without outfielder Gavin Sheets all of September as he is recovering from a sprain and plantar plate tear in his left foot. However, recent reports suggest that Sheets may be on track to return and play a different role if the team reaches the playoffs. According to new information, Padres manager Craig Stammen plans to change Sheets' role for the postseason, contemplating him as a designated hitter or pinch hitter.

Sheets, currently at the team's complex in Arizona, has been participating in live at-bats and running exercises. The club anticipates his return by late September, but only as a DH/pinch-hitting option. Despite his limited consistency at the plate with a .211 batting average and .313 OBP, Sheets has played various positions and even served as the designated hitter for 30 games this year.

The Padres, closing in on a playoff berth, have six games remaining on their schedule and will face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, followed by their final three games of the regular season against the Arizona Diamondbacks.