Nevin Vetoes Trade and Remains a Padre

San Diego Padre first baseman Phil Nevin on Monday rejected a trade that would have sent him to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Sidney Ponson.

The proposed deal was contingent upon Nevin’s approval. He has the right to block a trade to eight teams, including the Orioles.

“Phil has elected to stay with the Padres and will be treated as a full member of the team,” Padre General Manager Kevin Towers said. “However, with the team competing for the National League West title, playing time is going to be determined by both his performance and the performances of other players that will ultimately give us the best chance to win.”

Nevin, 34, is batting .263 with nine home runs, 11 doubles and 47 runs batted in in 71 games.

“He just decided that obviously, family factors, personal factors, took precedent over baseball factors,” said his agent, Barry Axelrod. “He wants to remain a part of San Diego and the ballclub. He’s always wanted to be in San Diego. They gave him the right to keep that right, and that’s what he decided to do.”

Towers’ comment regarding Nevin’s playing time means Nevin could be benched by Manager Bruce Bochy, who might start playing Xavier Nady at first base.

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Kerry Wood’s troublesome right shoulder sent him back to the disabled list. And when he’s able to pitch again for the Chicago Cubs this season, it will be out of the bullpen instead of the rotation.

There is also the possibility Wood will need off-season surgery to clean up the shoulder area.

“I’m in favor of whatever’s going to stop my arm from hurting. It’s as simple as that,” said Wood, 3-3 with a 4.67 earned-run average in 10 starts.

Also, Cub shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, recovering from surgery on his groin, will begin a rehabilitation assignment at Class-A Peoria tonight.

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Right-hander Hideo Nomo was released by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Nomo, who will turn 37 next month, has said he won’t pitch in Japan if he isn’t signed by another major league team.... Baltimore activated catcher Javy Lopez from the disabled list.... The Washington Nationals put Wil Cordero on waivers for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release.