NewsCabrera a bright spot on field for Padres
San Diego (40-62) at Cincinnati (45-55), 9:35 a.m. PT
By Steve Gartner / MLB.com
07/30/09 12:04 AM ET
CINCINNATI -- During a season that has had its share of injuries and struggles for the Padres, shortstop Everth Cabrera is proving his worth as an everyday player. Since returning from the disabled list June 19, Cabrera has been one of few constants in the lineup; he's started every game at shortstop. "I'm trying to stay mentally strong," Cabrera said through a translator. "I've been working with my hands." On the current road trip, Cabrera is hitting 12-for-24 while collecting four doubles and scoring three runs. He's reached base all seven games. "You work hard and get here early," Cabrera said. Cabrera has stolen five bases over his past six games to give him 13 on the season. His 92.9 stolen base percentage ranks fourth in the Major Leagues, having only been caught once. Cabrera batted second in the Padres' lineup on Monday but was moved down to eighth on Tuesday when David Eckstein was activated from the disabled list. "I think Everth has the ability to lead off and hit at the top of the order," Padres manager Bud Black said. "But he's still a 22-year-old kid with a lot on his plate." Before he returned in June from the DL, Cabrera had missed two months because of a facture of the hamate bone in his left hand. He had surgery and went on the 60-day disabled list. Despite the injury, Cabrera has shown no signs of his hand bothering him. "He's playing a very demanding position on the field where's he involved in every play on the field," Black said. Pitching matchupSD: RHP Tim Stauffer (0-2, 3.21 ERA)
Stauffer had his previous start against the Nationals cut short by rain. He allowed a two-run home run to Ryan Zimmerman in the first inning before the rains fell, causing a three-hour, 11-minute delay. Stauffer allowed the two runs on three hits with one strikeout. He threw 17 pitches in that first inning. CIN: RHP Johnny Cueto (8-7, 3.78 ERA)
Cueto continued to struggle on Saturday against the Cubs, losing his third straight decision. The first inning has been a particular problem for Cueto of late. In his past four starts, he has surrendered 20 runs -- 15 of which came in the opening frame, including nine against Philadelphia on July 6. Things have not improved much for Cueto since that career-worst start, as he has posted a 5.82 ERA in that span. Tidbits
The Padres announced the signing of right-handed pitcher James Needy, the club's sixth-round selection in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft. Needy is from Santee, Calif., just outside San Diego. ... Mat Latos, Greg Burke and Mike Ekstrom became the first rookies to combine on a one-hitter since Sept. 4, 2006. ... The one-hitter was the second this season and the 22nd in franchise history. ... Adrian Gonzalez homered for the third consecutive game, the third time he's done that this season. Gonzalez needs two more homers this year to become the first Padre to hit 30 or more homers in three consecutive seasons. Tickets
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• Friday: Padres (Chad Gaudin, 4-9, 4.57) vs. Brewers (Braden Looper, 9-5, 4.79), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Saturday: Padres (Josh Geer, 1-7, 5.96) vs. Brewers (Jeff Suppan, 5-8, 5.27), 7:05 p.m. PT
• Sunday: Padres (Kevin Correia, 7-8, 4.75) vs. Brewers (TBD), 1:05 p.m. PT
Steve Gartner is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
