UPDATE: Austin Hedges leaves game with right elbow tendinitis

SAN FRANCISCO-- The Padres have announced that C Austin Hedges left tonight's game with right elbow tendinitis.

Hedges, who is hitting .173/.235/.293 with two home runs this season, had missed time earlier this season with a back issue. It is not yet known whether the Padres will have to add another catcher to the roster.

If another catcher is needed, there are options aplenty in the minor leagues. Raffy Lopez, who is currently hitting .300 with seven home runs in El Paso, is certainly an option. As is 29-year-old Brett Nicholas, who hit his organization-leading eighth homer tonight.

C Austin Allen has generated much buzz in AA with his hot start this season. However, he would seem like a long shot to be promoted, given the 24-year-old has yet to play above AA.