Healthy Cordero could force tough decisions

Cordero's RBI triple HOUSTON -- In mid-March, Franchy Cordero was on the fast track to the big leagues. Arguably the Padres' best hitter during Spring Training, Cordero found himself as a favorite for an outfield place on the Padres' Opening Day roster.

Instead, he'll open his season with Triple-A El Paso, the result of a groin injury he sustained 10 days before breaking camp in Peoria, Ariz.

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Cordero, the club's No. 10 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, began a rehab stint on Friday night. The 23-year-old outfielder could be destined for a callup as soon as he proves himself healthy.

"We could use 1, his bat, 2, his athleticism, and 3, his left-handed stick," Padres…