Juan Soto has been dealing with calf tightness, but the San Diego Padres hope he's cleared to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
Soto ran sprints and took some swings in batting practice on Wednesday and could still join his national team before it begins group play in the WBC on Saturday against Venezuela.
Bob Melvin said the Padres increased the progression of Soto's work, and that the outfielder could play in a "B" game against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday.
"If he plays in that, hopefully we can get him cleared ... and optimistic for potentially getting him on the road Friday," Melvin said.