San Diego Padres star right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. took batting practice on the field Friday and said he expects to return in September from a stress reaction in his right thigh bone that has sidelined him for two months.

"It felt really good just being outside with the boys, ramping up. Every day a step closer," Tatis said before the Padres played the New York Mets in the second game of a four-game series between teams in playoff contention.