SAN DIEGO --Â Jake Peavy removed his injured right ankle from its protective boot Tuesday and learned from Padres team doctors that even though his strained tendon is progressing, he'll still have to wear the plastic guard for at least two more weeks.

Peavy, who said it was too early to determine if he'll pitch again in 2009, did receive clearance to begin riding a stationary bike while wearing the boot.

"Its good news," said Peavy, who is 6-6 with a 3.97 ERA in 13 starts. "I'm not where we want to be obviously, but I feel better than I did 2 1/2 weeks ago when I went into this thing. We're headed in the right direction. … It's too soon to speculate on anything. I certainly am optimistic about coming out of this pain-free, and if I can get to where I can go out there and compete this year, I certainly expect to."

Manager Bud Black expects to learn more when Peavy is examined again in 1 1/ 2-to-2 weeks.

"It's healing to an extent," Black said. "We won't really know anything until the walking cast comes off and there's clearance. … So in a nutshell, we're going to do this again in two weeks."

Peavy -- who has performed no baseball activities the past two weeks and has only removed the boot for daily treatment -- said he took part in several strength tests for the doctors and moved the ankle into positions that had previously caused him pain. Ever the optimist, Peavy was hoping for better results.

"As an athlete you want to think you're immortal," Peavy said. "You think you can get out there and fast forward. But in real time I've only been in this boot for 2 1/ 2 weeks. It's going to take time, but this treatment has helped."

Melvin to Padres?

Former Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin and Padres general manager Kevin Towers have spent the past two days discussing a possible job within the organization.

Melvin sat with Towers in his private box at Petco Park on Monday night and was seen in the Padres' clubhouse after the game. The two held discussions again Tuesday, and one source said Melvin could be in line for a job perhaps as a roving consultant for the team's minor league system. Melvin previously worked for Padres' CEO Jeff Moorad during his tenure with the Diamondbacks and is highly regarded by many within the organization.

"We're still discussing it," Towers said. "There's some interest in doing something for us."

Melvin recorded a 493-508 record in six-plus seasons as a manager with the Seattle Mariners and Diamondbacks, winning a division title with Arizona in 2007.

Â

Hill has surgery

RHP Shawn Hill had ulnar collateral ligament surgery on June 24 and is out for the season. It was the second major elbow surgery for Hill, who had the procedure performed by Dr. James Andrews. Hill also had reconstructive elbow surgery in 2005. Black said there were calcifications removed during the surgery. Hill was 1-1 with a 5.25 ERA in three starts with the Padres.