PADRES : Hammaker, Rasmussen Not Ready

Padre Manager Greg Riddoch says he has given up any hope of Dennis Rasmussen or Atlee Hammaker being ready by opening day, and anticipates that each of them will open the season on the disabled list.

“Unless they make a miraculous recovery,” Riddoch said, “I don’t see how either of them will be able to pitch.

Rasmussen, who has tendinitis in his left shoulder, likely will not be ready to pitch in a game for at least two more weeks, Riddoch said. By that time, spring training will have ended, leaving the likely possibility of Rasmussen opening the season in the minor leagues on a rehabilitation assignment.

“I don’t think you can force somebody to be ready,” Riddoch said. “It’s up to him.”

Hammaker, who broke the middle finger on his pitching hand while lifting weights in January, was able to throw for 12 minutes off the mound, but he also is not expected to be able to pitch in a spring-training game.