Yangervis Solarte has found a niche with the Padres. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)
SAN DIEGO — Yangervis Solarte started his fourth straight game for the San Diego Padres on Tuesday — and his third straight at second base for Jedd Gyorko.
The emergence of the switch-hitting Venezuelan, who was acquired last July in the trade that sent third baseman Chase Headley to the Yankees, is a surprise to some Padres fans.
But not to Padres manager Bud Black.
“Solarte had five hits in his last three starts and drove in two runs Monday night,” said Black before Tuesday’s game against the Diamondbacks. “I like the way he’s swinging the bat. We like him on our team. You could be seeing more of Solarte in some capacity.”
However, Black warned against making too much of Solarte starting three straight games at second.
“(Hitting coaches Mark) Kotsay and Zo (Alonso Powell) are working on some things to help Jedd moving forward,” said Black.
Solarte played in every Padres’ game except for the season opener. He made four starts at second, one at first and pinch-hit in three games.
He was 1-for-3 with a walk Tuesday and is 8-for-22 on the season with three doubles and four RBIs. His .364 batting average is the second-highest on the Padres and his .417 on-base percentage also ranks second.
