Padres' Cronenworth returns from IL after 24-game absence

The San Diego Padres reinstated infielder Jake Cronenworth from the injured list Friday ahead of their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies.

Outfielder Oscar Gonzalez was optioned in a corresponding move.

Cronenworth has been sidelined since April 9 with a fractured rib suffered on a hit-by-pitch. He's missed 24 games.

The 31-year-old was off to a hot start at the plate before being injured, recording an .895 OPS (151 OPS+) with two home runs, five RBIs, and eight walks across 44 plate appearances.

San Diego has played well without the two-time All-Star. The club entered Friday with a 23-13 record, good for second place in the loaded National League West.

Cronenworth owns a career .743 OPS (108 OPS+) across six seasons.