Goebbert steps up in second taste of Majors

ST. LOUIS -- Jake Goebbert has received a chance to showcase himself at first base, and the Padres rookie didn't disappoint.

After hitting .250 (12-for-48) in his first stint with the Padres from late June to late July, Goebbert has surged in his most recent stint, which began with three straight pinch-hit appearances Wednesday through Friday.

Starts on Saturday and Sunday provided a bigger opportunity, which Goebbert delivered upon. He provided a three-run triple in Saturday's 9-5 win and went 3-for-7 overall with five RBIs in two starts at first base.

"He's conducting good at-bats," manager Bud Black said. "He might be a little bit more comfortable coming back now that he was here one time prior. That seems to happen with a lot of players. Once they get here and do get sent back, when they do come back they're more relaxed. Jake might be in that place."

Goebbert, whom the Padres acquired in May in a trade with the A's in exchange for Kyle Blanks, hit .296 with 14 home runs and 60 RBIs in 79 games at Triple-A this season.

With first baseman Yonder Alonso out for the season with a torn tendon on top of his right forearm, Goebbert could continue to receive playing time at first base. He split the four-game weekend series there with Tommy Medica.

The reason for the recent success might not stem far from his manager's speculation.

"I think just the comfort in knowing the team, knowing the coaching staff [has helped]," Goebbert said. "I feel a lot more comfortable in my day-in and day-out routine, which allows me to put a little better performance on the field."