Venable went 1-for-2 with a two-run homer after entering Monday's game as a replacement for Justin Upton. The Padres have used Venable sparingly, even after trading Cameron Maybin to Atlanta on the eve of Opening Day. He's started just two games this season while compiling a 4-for-15 mark with a pair of homers in nine appearances.

Venable is batting .227 this spring with 13 strikeouts and five walks in 44 at-bats. He has added one home run, four doubles, and five RBI. The Union-Tribune reports that Venable is a likely candidate to be a backup outfielder on the Padres' Opening Day roster. With the Padres' outfield overhaul this offseason, Venable will have to settle in to a reserve role this season behind Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, and Justin Upton. Venable is a valuable asset for the Padres due to his ability to play all three outfield positions. He also adds a left-handed bat to a mostly right-handed roster.

Venable is out of the lineup Wednesday against the Rockies. Venable has been relegated to the bench the entire series, with the Rockies starting three consecutive left-handers. Tommy Medica and Rymer Liriano will occupy the corner outfield spots against Yohan Flande.

Venable is out of the lineup Tuesday. Tommy Medica and Rymer Liriano will patrol the outfield corners for the second day in a row, as Venable continues to be used as a part-time player down the stretch.

Venable is out of the lineup Monday against the Rockies. Venable will take a seat with lefty Tyler Matzek on the mound, ending a run of four straight starts. He's been largely a disappointing coming off of a 20-20 campaign a year earlier, which could hamper his chances of winning an Opening Day starting job in 2015. His chief competition for that role might be the up-and-coming Rymer Liriano, who will spell Venable in right field on Monday.

Venable is out of the lineup Saturday against the Giants, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Venable is coming off a 0-for-for night at the plate Friday, and will get the day off Saturday. Seth Smith will slide over to right field, with Abraham Almonte in left and Cameron Maybin in center.

Venable went 1-for-5 with a three-run homer Thursday against the Phillies. It was his seventh homer of the year and first since Aug. 24. Even worse, Venable hasn't had more than one hit in a game since Aug. 5 -- that's a span of 32 games (18 starts) and 69 at-bats.

Venable is not in the lineup Wednesday against the Phillies. There hasn't been any word of a setback with Venable's back strain, so the team likely just doesn't want to push its luck with the 31-year-old outfielder. He missed two starts due to the injury but went 1-for-5 with two walks in the first two games of the Phillies series.

Venable (back) went 0-for-1 with a strikeout and two walks in his return to the lineup Monday. The back strain cost Venable close to a week, but he returned Monday and will now look to finishing his disappointing 2014 campaign (.221/.290/.317) on a high notes. He should continue seeing at least semi-regular time over the final two weeks, between right field and center.

Venable (back) is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks, according to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Venable will not start again Sunday as he continues to deal with a sore back. It remains to be seen when he will be able to play next.