Nola makes return to lineup vs. Marlins

The much-awaited return of Austin Nola arrived on Thursday in the Padres' 3-2 win over the Marlins at loanDepot park, after he missed nearly two months with a left knee sprain. The veteran catcher hadn’t played with his team since May 24.

“Everything was good," Nola said afterward. "The adrenaline pumping makes everything go away, [I’ll] tell you that right now. That's an easy, easy fix when you get in the game.”

In his return, the catcher locked in both at the plate and behind it. He worked two walks on the night. Both Nola and his battery mate, starting pitcher Blake Snell, worked into a groove.

“I thought his at-bats were great,” said manager Jayce Tingler. “Then defensively, he was in midseason form. I thought he and Blake had a great dynamic tonight. He handled the bullpen guys well."

Nola knew his rehab stint would be longer due to the nature of the injury, but being behind the plate on Thursday reminded him how important it is to be 100%, to block and help his team earn a win.

"It's been a little bit longer journey [for him] to get back here,” said Tingler. “He's excited. Team-wise, he just brings so much to our team. Leadership, personality, [he’s] certainly going to help us behind the plate, in the batter's box -- just everything he does. We're excited to have him back.”

Victor Caratini, who has taken a majority of the work behind the plate, will split time with Nola while the veteran ramps back up. The skipper hopes to eventually shift the amount of play a little heavier in Nola’s favor, while continuing to call on Caratini when matchups allow.

Tingler has been impressed with the workload Caratini has handled, especially since he has caught over 100-plus innings more than his former career-high, playing 538 1/3 innings already this season.

“Víctor has caught a lot,” Tingler said. “He's done a great job of taking care of himself. He's really handled his workload well. And I really think, no matter what the circumstances … I think for the last two and a half, three months, he can continue this pace if needed.”

Nola will begin taking reps at other positions as well. He’s already fielding ground balls at first and second base. However, the main goal is to make sure Nola’s knee is healthy before sending him out to the infield. As the Padres continue to build him back they want to avoid the catcher overdoing it, and will try to manage his workload -- made easier when Caratini is still available and healthy.