For now, defense will rest for Palmer.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

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ERIE, Pa. _ Dean Palmer said he thinks his right shoulder "is a little better" but still doesn't know when he'll be ready to play third base again.

"There's no way you can put a timetable on it," Palmer said Sunday. "My goal is to be back at third at least by the end of the month."

Palmer had shoulder surgery in the off-season; he'll open the season on the disabled list, but will miss only three games.

"If it would have been any more than that, we probably wouldn't even have DL'd him," general manager Randy Smith said.

Palmer, scheduled to return as the designated hitter in the fourth game of the year, April 7 in Chicago, isn't throwing yet, but he has no problems swinging.

"I got seven or eight at-bats against Chris Holt in a simulated game the other day," Palmer said.