Open to trade, Quentin goes 2 for 2; Padres lose to Rockies

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Carlos Quentin went 2 for 2 and drove in a run amid an uncertain future with the San Diego Padres, who lost to the Colorado Rockies 7-5 on Sunday.

The former All-Star outfielder was limited to 50 games last season and hasn't played in more than 86 in any of the last three years due to knee trouble. The Padres then picked up starting outfielders Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers in a flurry of offseason moves.

''I'll be open to a trade if one comes around,'' Quentin said after leaving the game in the fifth inning. ''I think everyone is well aware of my situation here.''

Quentin, who said his knees feel good, started in left field and had an RBI single in a four-run first. He added another single and walked.

''It was nice to get some hits,'' said Quentin, who had been 0 for 5 this spring. ''It was nice to play the outfield. I haven't been out there in a while.''

Quentin, owed $8 million this season, had 36 homers and 100 RBIs with the Chicago White Sox in 2008.

He said he's had regular discussions with the Padres.

''Everyone knows there's a DH in the American League,'' Quentin said. ''It's something I would embrace. I've been open and they've been open.''

Yonder Alonso went 3 for 3, including a three-run double for San Diego on a rough day for starting pitchers.

Rockies left-hander Tyler Matzek threw just 18 of 42 pitches for strikes, allowing four runs and five hits while getting five outs.

Padres right-hander Tyson Ross got only three outs and gave up two unearned runs thanks to second baseman Jedd Gyorko's error on a potential double-play grounder.

STARTING TIME

Rockies: Matzek walked two and hit a batter with a pitch. He said he was ''amped up'' and rushing in his first spring start. ''You do that, timing is off and it's hard to throw strikes,'' Matzek said. ''Easy fix: stay calm.''

Rockies prospect Jon Gray followed and allowed one hit and struck out three in two scoreless innings.

Padres: Ross, a first-time All-Star last year, allowed two hits and walked two in a spring debut that began with a four-pitch walk. ''It's March 8? He's fine,'' manager Bud Black said.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rockies: Manager Walt Weiss said SS Troy Tulowitzki (hip) and RF Carlos Gonzalez (knee) could make their spring debuts Monday. Both players had season-ending surgery in August. ... OF Charlie Blackmon (abdominal tightness) is expected to make his spring debut this week.

Padres: OF Justin Upton (illness) said he was feeling better after ''scuffling a little bit the last few days'' and hopes to play Monday. Upton went through a morning workout. He last played in a game Wednesday.

POPULAR GM

Kemp, who singled in three at-bats, refers to A.J. Preller as a ''rock star'' general manager. New ace James Shields calls him ''intriguing.'' Upton, another of the first-year GM's acquisitions, thinks the 37-year-old Preller is unique.

''He's younger, he can relate with the guys,'' Upton said. ''When I talked with him the first time he said, `Hey, we want to put together some pieces and win right now. We're not trying to rebuild.' He had my attention right away.''

Preller, who was Texas' assistant GM, quickly made San Diego an expected contender in the NL West during a busy offseason.

''He's just a baseball guy,'' Upton said. ''He loves being out here. He loves watching us. Everybody here is excited.''

UP NEXT

Rockies: Lefty reliever Rex Brothers makes his spring debut Monday against Cincinnati. Brothers has been held out of games as he worked on mechanics following a poor 2014 that included six blown saves and a 5.59 ERA. ''We wanted to get a few more (bullpen) sides in before he went out there in a game,'' Weiss said.

Padres: RHP Andrew Cashner makes his second spring start Monday vs. the Chicago Cubs.