San Diego Padres

Top prospect Fernando Tatis Jr. is expected to be ready for spring training in his recovery from a broken left thumb. Tatis was hurt sliding hands-first into a base and had surgery.

The Padres said he’ll be sidelined for six to eight weeks and downplayed the lost development time, noting Tatis played nearly year-round in 2017. He could be ready in time for the Arizona Fall League or the Dominican winter league.

If at full health next spring, Tatis figures to compete for an opening-day roster spot or a promotion during the season.

Tatis, who turns 20 in January, hit .286 with 16 home runs, 22 doubles and 16 steals in 21 tries for Class AA San Antonio (Texas). He played 83 games at shortstop and had 13 errors.

❚ Barring a setback, Class AA second baseman Luis Urias will crack the 100-game mark for the season even though he’s very young for the Texas League. Urias, who turned 21 in June, had a .383 on-base percentage through 95 games.

“He plays a good defensive infield, (brings) versatility, experience at multiple positions, being a switch-hitter (who is) dominant from the left side. We felt like given our right-handed lineup that he added a lot to that for us.” Mike Hazen Diamondbacks general manager, on infielder Eduardo Escobar, whom Arizona acquired from the Minnesota Twins for three prospects