SAN FRANCISCO — The San Diego Padres have limited options when it comes to infield flexibility this week, with second baseman Jedd Gyorko (paternity leave) joining third baseman Chase Headley (disabled list) on the sideline.
The club hoped catcher Yasmani Grandal might help in that area, but after he struggled fielding grounders during pregame drills Monday at AT&T Park, that idea might have to be scrapped.
The Padres entered the San Francisco series with no legitimate backups at second base, shortstop and third base. However, they did have three catchers, making the Grandal experiment at least worth exploring.
Jace Peterson made his second start at third base in Monday’s series opener, but only because manager Bud Black had no choice. The left-handed-hitting Peterson figured to struggle against tough Giants lefty Madison Bumgarner, but he surprised everyone by collecting two hits while batting eighth in San Diego’s 6-4 win over the Giants.
Fortunately for Peterson, and the Padres in general, the Giants are scheduled to pitch right-handers Tuesday (Matt Cain) and Wednesday (Tim Hudson). Alexi Amarista, the only second base option in this series, also should benefit, as he, like Peterson, is a left-handed hitter.