Nevin nervous in return to Padres

SAN DIEGO (AP) San Diego's Phil Nevin made his first appearance of the season Wednesday, four months after undergoing surgery to repair an injury to his left shoulder.

Nevin, who suffered a dislocated shoulder while diving for a ball in the outfield during a spring training game, went 1-for-3 with a walk in the St. Louis Cardinals' 8-4 win over the Padres.

``The first at-bat I was tingling with the crowd,'' said Nevin, who played right field. ``It was probably the most nervous I've ever been on a major league field since I came up as a rookie.''

Nevin got a loud ovation from the crowd of 20,574 when he came to bat for the first time in the bottom of the first. With a runner on first, he grounded out to end the inning.

Nevin walked in the third and flied out in the fifth with one out and two on. His lone hit was a single leading off the eighth.

``I saw the ball good,'' Nevin said. ``I was a little quick on some balls. I was probably a little more anxious than anything.''

Nevin was moved from third base to left field in spring training, the second time he vacated third for Sean Burroughs. Burroughs, in his second big league season, has solidified his hold on the position in Nevin's absence.

``It means a lot to have Phil back,'' Padres manager Bruce Bochy said. ``He'll be playing different positions. It's going to be a challenge for him.''

Nevin played 11 games in the minors on a rehab assignment.

A three-time winner of the Padres' MVP honor, Nevin has batted .293 with 108 homers and 375 RBI in 527 games with San Diego.

Nevin takes the roster spot of Jesse Orosco, who was traded to the New York Yankees on Tuesday.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)