San Diego Padres outfielder Cameron Maybin met with doctors Thursday and opted against surgery for his ruptured left biceps tendon, general manager Josh Byrnes told multiple media outlets.
Maybin, who was originally feared to be out two to three months or perhaps longer, instead might be able to return in 4-6 weeks after allowing the injury to heal and then going through rehab.
Byrnes told MLB.com that he "thought he was done for the season."
Maybin suffered the injury making a diving catch Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played in only 14 games last season after suffering a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and having surgery on his right wrist.
Signed to a five-year extension worth $25 million prior to the 2012 season, Maybin has 70 stolen bases in two-plus seasons for the Padres, including a career-high 40 in 2011.
His spot in the lineup likely will be taken by Will Venable, who is playing center field and batting leadoff against the San Francisco Giants on Monday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.