The timing couldn't have been more important.
San Diego hasn't simply missed Cronenworth's production. It has missed the balance he brings to the roster.
A left-handed bat capable of grinding out professional at-bats.
Gold Glove-caliber defense at second base.
And, perhaps most importantly, a player who allows Fernando Tatis Jr. to remain in right field, where he's among baseball's elite defenders.
"We've been missing that left-handed bat in our lineup," manager Craig Stammen said. "He gives professional at-bats, works the pitcher, has the opportunity for some slug, plays great defense. He just does all the little things on the field that you kind of miss."
The results didn't come immediately after Cronenworth returned Monday.
He opened the series against the Cubs 0-for-4 before breaking through Wednesday with three singles, his first three-hit game of the entire season.
To Cronenworth, though, the biggest victory had happened long before the box score.
His eyes were finally seeing the same baseball again.
And even after the concussion fades into memory, he'll keep the exercises that got him back.
"Our eyes are a muscle," Cronenworth said. "It's just like warming up your legs or warming up your arm. Our eyes are the most important thing for us when we play. Might as well warm those up, too."
