Ciriaco provides valuable depth, starts vs. Giants

SAN FRANCISCO -- Newcomer Pedro Ciriaco got his first start with the Padres on Monday when he was filled in at shortstop for an injured Everth Cabrera, who is out with a mild left hamstring strain.

The Padres traded for Ciriaco on Friday, adding him to the roster after second baseman Jedd Gyorko went on the disabled list with a right groin strain.

As it turns out, it's a good thing they added him to the roster, as Cabrera suffered his injury during Sunday's victory over the D-backs.

"The timing did work out on this one," said Padres manager Bud Black. "... He came across the [waiver] wire as a guy we could make a run at for some infield depth. As it turned out, we might need him more than we think in the short term."

Ciriaco has the most experience at shortstop as the other candidates to play the position on the roster, Alexi Amarista and Logan Forsythe. He's played 29 games at the Major League level at the position and has a strong enough arm and good enough footwork to handle the rigors of a premium position.

"We'll move him, Logan and Alexi around the diamond until Cabby or Jedd's return," Black said.

Gyorko is in San Francisco with the team and will take batting practice and ground balls before each of the three games here. He's eligible to come off the disabled list on June 25.