Padres Star Returns For Penultimate Series of Regular Season vs. Brewers

Aug 23, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) celebrates after hitting an RBI double during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres have activated shortstop Xander Bogaerts from the 10-day injured list, optioning infielder Will Wagner down to the Arizona Complex League.

Bogaerts broke a bone in his foot from a foul ball on August 27th. After going through an intense recovery process, he returns for the final two regular season series and the playoff push.

We have reinstated INF Xander Bogaerts from the 10-day IL and optioned INF Will Wagner to the Arizona Complex League.

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) September 23, 2025

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The shortstop gave his best effort to come back, running on the field and keeping his swing sharp in the batting cages.

His return during the season allows him to get some looks at major league pitching before the playoffs, while also testing his limits so the organization can assess his capabilities.

Manager Mike Shildt has been singing Bogaerts' praises for the past couple of months, labeling him as a crucial piece and appearing to be anxiously waiting for the veteran's return.

“So he’s getting closer, and he’s recovered well,” Shildt said on Friday while appearing on 97.3 The Fan.

“The thing that really fired us up and we were excited about was he had more of an aggressive day, and then the next day felt good.

"Had another aggressive day. So, back-to-back aggressive, a lot of intensity, and then the following day felt even better. So the recovery component has been favorable for Xander, and that’s clearly good news.

“And you know, we’ll see and make sure he’s still progressing. And he’s a guy that we do rely on. He’s a guy that’s been out for a while…But you are talking about a guy in Bogey who has been a mainstay in our lineup the last couple of years, has contributed to winning, and has two world championships under his belt.

"And you know, those kinds of experiences and that kind of player are going to be good to get back.”

Mike Shildt joined @BenAndWoods this morning and provided a positive update on Xander Bogaerts' recovery.

Full interview: https://t.co/IuirgAj3Hz pic.twitter.com/ZGYHrfv7d4

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) September 19, 2025

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Bogaerts is hitting .262/.330/.387 on the season, posting an average 103 wRC+, but still rated at 3.0 WAR.

His fielding, especially for a key position like shortstop, is very valuable, while he also brings a solid bat. He started the season off poorly, but got into a groove before picking up the foot injury.

Considering San Diego's limited depth at short, Bogaerts' return is a big deal for the Padres and their long-term hopes.

For more Padres news, head over to Padres on SI.