SAN DIEGO -- Morgan Ensberg has been with the Padres only a few weeks, but with each day that passes, his time with the Astros sinks further and further to the back of his mind.

Ensberg emphatically insisted he bears no ill will toward his former team, nor does he feel bitterness about how things ended. He's just happy that he's moved on, and doubly thrilled he landed in his hometown with a contending team, which entered Friday's opener at PETCO Park in second place in the National League West Division and leading the NL Wild Card race.

"Being in Houston really seems so long ago," Ensberg said. "I know it's only been a couple weeks, but for whatever reason, it feels like it was in the distant past. I really don't have any bitterness. I mean it. I understand how it worked. I didn't play well. Other guys played well. They made a move, and it worked out for both sides."

Ensberg was designated for assignment on July 29, and he was traded to the Padres two days later. The third baseman referred to the transaction as a blessing, considering he owns a home in San Diego, where he lives with his wife, Christi, and 18-month-old twin sons, Beckett and Chase.

Ensberg keeps in touch with several former teammates, including close friend Adam Everett, Chris Burke, Brad Lidge, Jason Lane, Eric Munson, Eric Bruntlett and Chad Qualls.

"I had a great time," Ensberg said. "I spent eight years in that organization. That's a pretty good run, considering how the game works today."

Entering Friday's game, Ensberg was hitting .273 (9-for-33) with three home runs and six RBIs over 12 games with the Padres. He's played first and third base since arriving to San Diego, and although he doesn't know if he's in the Padres' future plans, he hopes he can remain with this club for the rest of his career.

"When you find a place where you fit, I just can't tell you how great it is to play here," he said. "It's only been a few weeks, but I've shown them just enough what kind of player I am. Since July, things have gotten better for me offensively. Baseball has simply happened."

Good news: An MRI confirmed the earlier diagnosis that left-hander Stephen Randolph suffered a sprain in his right knee, but he did not tear any ligaments. Recovery time is expected to last two to three weeks.

"It's much better news than it could have been," general manager Tim Purpura said. "We were a little worried. He felt a pop last night, and anytime you feel a pop, there's reason for concern. It really worked out as the best-possible scenario."

Right-hander Juan Gutierrez was called up to replace Randolph on the 25-man roster. While Gutierrez is viewed by the organization as a future starter, he'll take up residency in the bullpen for the time being.

"The base-case scenario with pitching is it's better to get them into the bullpen, get them in situations where they can have some success, and then transition them to the rotation in time," Purpura said. "That's the way it used to be done all the time. But now as the game has changed, you don't do that quite as often. He's pitched very well for us at [Triple-A] Round Rock; he has a very good arm. He should give us a little bit of a lift in that bullpen."

Gutierrez, 24, was 5-9 with a 3.96 ERA and 101 strikeouts over 24 games, including 23 starts, for Round Rock.

"I'm definitely ready," Gutierrez said. "I'm just going to focus on what I need to do, don't put pressure on myself, try to throw strikes and get hitters out."

Backe update: In his fourth rehab outing in Albuquerque on Friday, right-hander Brandon Backe allowed seven runs on seven hits with four walks and five strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings.

Backe, pitching for Round Rock, allowed three home runs. He threw 88 pitches, including 47 for strikes.

Signs, signs, everywhere signs: Because Ensberg was with the Astros just a few weeks ago and now is playing for a current opponent, third-base coach Doug Mansolino had the added task on Friday of going over signs with Houston's hitters.

Mansolino had to change a few things, considering Ensberg knows the club's signs and therefore would be able to decipher them.

"That's why he's meeting with the team," manager Phil Garner said of his coach.

Inching closer: Hunter Pence will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Saturday with Round Rock. He'll play at least three games, and then he will be re-evaluated based on how he feels physically.

Pence has been on the disabled list since July 23 with a fracture in his right wrist.

On the mend: Chris Sampson threw a bullpen session on Friday with hopes that he would be cleared to begin a rehab assignment, but the right-hander will have to throw at least one more side session before the club will consider that next step.

Sampson threw 30-35 pitches and was encouraged by the progress he's made during his two weeks on the DL.

"I didn't feel anything in the elbow at all," Sampson said. "If I bounce back from this bullpen OK and if the bullpen on Monday goes well, like today, they said we'll go from there and see when I can get back. We have to get to that point first."

Luke Scott, who has been sidelined with a strain near the groin area on his left side, did some light running, but he is not ready to return to the lineup. Lance Berkman started in right field for the opener in San Diego.

Coming up: The Astros and Padres will meet on Saturday at PETCO Park for the second game of the weekend set. First pitch is set for 9:05 p.m. CT, and right-hander Roy Oswalt (13-6, 3.32 ERA) will start opposite San Diego righty Justin Germano (6-6, 4.16 ERA).