San Diego Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin opted against having surgery for his ruptured left biceps tendon after meeting with doctors Thursday.
Maybin was initially expected to miss at least two to three months, but may instead return in four to six weeks in allowing the injury to heal on its own and then rehabbing it.
General manager Josh Byrnes told MLB.com that he feared Maybin would be out for the season.
Maybin was injured during Sunday’s Cactus League game in Arizona against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Maybin played just 14 games last season after having PCL surgery on his left knee and right wrist surgery.
Will Venable is expected to take Maybin’s spot in the lineup and in center field.
The Padres signed Maybin to a five-year, $25 million extension in 2012. In more than two seasons with the Padres, he has 70 stolen bases, including a career-high 40 in 2011.