Padres’ Recall Jace Peterson Leaving Jedd Gyorko’s Status In Question

May 2, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman

(3) is unable to make the play on an infield single by Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman

(not pictured) during the ninth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

In a move to bolster the offense, and give second baseman Jedd Gyorko time figure out his swing, the San Diego Padres have recalled infielder Jace Peterson from Double-A San Antonio who started at second base Wednesday afternoon against the Pirates.

Peterson made a quick stint with the Padres’ earlier this season filling in for the injured Chase Headley. In 10 days with team, Peterson batted .174 with 2 stolen bases before being sent down to Triple-A El Paso. In 27 games with El Paso, Peterson hit .330 with nine doubles, three triples, two homers and 19 RBI.

Peterson has bounced back and forth between Double and Triple-A. Manager Bud Black added, “When we sent him back out, we said we wanted to move him around. All the reports from El Paso are very positive. He made great strides. I think Jace has grown as a player. He’ll mix in at short, second and third.”

The move is bit surprising and leads some to suspect that Gyorko might be optioned down to work on the mechanics of his swing. On Twitter, National MLB columnist for Bleacher Report Scott Miller added:

Gyorko’s has struggled enormously in his sophomore season, hitting .162 with five homers, and 24 RBI. Earlier this season, the Padres’ signed him to a 5-year $35 million extension after having a successful rookie season.