As expected, right-handed pitcher Josh Geer was promoted from Triple-A Portland in order to make Saturday night's start against the Rockies at Petco Park. Geer, 25, the Padres' third-round pick in 2005, was 8-9 in 27 starts with the Beavers and had a 4.54 ERA.

Unexpectedly, the Padres promoted center fielder Will Venable from Portland two days earlier than anticipated when outfielder Scott Hairston went on the disabled list with ligament damage and bone chips in his left thumb. Venable, 25, the son of former major leaguer Max Venable, was hitting .292 with 14 homers and 58 RBI with Portland.

And right-handed reliever Cla Meredith returned after spending two weeks with the Beavers. Meredith took the roster spot that was opened when Arizona claimed left-handed reliever Wil Ledezma off waivers.

ROCKIES 9, PADRES 4: Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins hit a three-run homer off start Dirk Hayhurst, then added a two-run homer off Brian Falkenborg Friday. Hayhurst allowed four runs on five hits over four innings in his second major league start and was tagged with his first loss. Center fielder Will Venable tripled off Rockies starter Aaron Cook in his first major league at-bat.