Jedd Gyorko Sent…to the Disabled List, Stults Starting Sunday

Jedd Gyorko headed to the DL Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

As Padres second-year second baseman Jedd Gyorko continues to struggle this year to hit his weight, or Alexi Amarista‘s weight for that matter, a move was made Friday to hopefully help the situation.

Gyorko was sent to the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 4th with plantar fasciitis of the left foot as reported by Friarwire.  San Diego fans well remember the trouble Antonio Gates had with this same injury a few years back. The timetable can be tricky for the return, and it could be a problem that bothers him the rest of the year.

The move comes amidst widespread speculation that the Padres were about to send him to Triple-A to work on his swing. He is hitting .162 with 5 HR after hitting .249 with 23 HR last year. He also signed a large extension early in the year, possibly putting pressure on himself to live up to it. It is unknown how long the injury has been bothering him, but certainly can explain some of his troubles.

Some Padres’ fans see this as a small blessing in disguise:

The Padres have already recalled Jace Peterson to fill in for Chase Headley who left Wednesday’s game after being hit, so it will likely be Alexi Amarista in the short term filling in at second base. Tyler Greene or Brooks Conrad are candidates to get called up from Triple-A El Paso.

In a corresponding move, pitcher Eric Stults was re-instated from the bereavement list and will start Sunday. He attended the funeral of his grandmother.