PADRES UPDATE : Notebook : Stephenson Stars for the Stars While Awaiting Call from Padres

PITTSBURGH —  Outfielder Phil Stephenson looks at the box scores each morning. He stays by the phone during the day. He looks for any clues that he may soon have a new place of residence.

Stephenson, batting .380 with 25 RBIs in triple-A Las Vegas, says he’s more than ready to return to the Padres. His knee feels fine, and he’s playing left field every day.

“I’m having a good time, and Vegas is a good place to be,” Stephenson said, “but I don’t want to make a career out of it. I want to be back in San Diego. Hopefully, the Padres will get me out of here.”

Stephenson, who played in only seven games for the Padres last season because of avascular necrosis in his right knee, was sent to Las Vegas primarily to get playing time.

Now that’s he’s ready, playing left field for the Stars on an everyday basis, the Padres must decide when it’s time to bring him back.

“Right now I’m satisfied with what we’ve got out there,” said Joe McIlvaine, Padre general manager, “but I dare say, he will be helping us before the year’s over.”

Could it be sooner than later, considering that left fielder Jerald Clark’ offensive woes have shown little signs of vanishing? Perhaps Stephenson could be used at least on a platoon basis?

“We’ll see,” McIlvaine said. “I’m not ready to give up on Jerald.”

Stephenson, whose natural position is first base, has played 25 games in left field this season. Although he’s not considered a strong defensive player, McIlvaine said he is more than adequate.

“I’m not saying I’m a Gold Glover out there,” Stephenson said, “but I sure know I can help with my bat. I’m ready.

“That’s what makes it a little frustrating because I know I can help somebody, and I’m still here. It’s time to go.”

When the Padres came into the clubhouse Saturday afternoon, they casually glanced at the lineup and did a double-take. There in the eighth spot, starting in left field, was the name of Oscar Azocar.

It was Azocar’s first start of the season.

“Hey, what’s going on around here,” Azocar joked. “Everyone’s going into the manager’s office wanting to know where the real lineup is.”