Newly acquired Cedeno makes Padres debut

SAN DIEGO -- Newcomer Ronny Cedeno was in the Padres' starting lineup on Wednesday, playing shortstop and batting seventh, and the nine-year Major League veteran said he actually felt a little nervous about making his first start with his new team.

The finale vs. the Orioles marked Cedeno's first game in the Major Leagues since July 19. At the time, he was with the Astros before being designated for assignment on July 22.

The Padres signed Cedeno on Friday and he played two games for Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore -- where he was 1-for-8 with a double, a run scored and two walks -- before being added to the Major League roster on Tuesday.

In 51 games for the Astros this season, Cedeno hit .220 with six doubles and 12 runs scored.

"It was tough year for me," Cedeno said. "Now I'm excited to be here with great teammates, great coaches. I feel good and happy to be here."

Cedeno adds some needed stability to the Padres at shortstop after Everth Cabrera was suspended for 50 games on Monday for violating MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Cabrera will miss the remainder of the season.

"Ronny is a steady and dependable shortstop who knows how to play the game," said Padres manager Bud Black. "Hopefully he can play his game, both defensively and offensively."

Cedeno, who has played primarily at shortstop throughout his nine-year career, has spent time with the Mets, Pirates, Mariners and Cubs. He is a lifetime .245 hitter, with 38 homers, 230 RBIs and 253 runs.