Padres waiting for Gyorko to come around

SAN DIEGO -- Struggling second baseman Jedd Gyorko, who has started once in the last seven games, isn't a candidate to be sent to the Minor Leagues to work on his swing, said Padres manager Bud Black.

Black was asked before Tuesday night's game against the Astros whether Gyorko, who is currently hitting .149 in 47 at-bats, could be optioned in order to regain his swing with one of the Padres' Minor League affiliates.

"We want Jedd to perform here," Black said.

Gyorko has been working on his mechanics with hitting coach Mark Kotsay and assistant hitting coach Alonzo Powell. Black said that work is ongoing.

Gyorko last started on Sunday against the Dodgers and went 0-for-3.

Yangervis Solarte, who had three hits in Monday night's 9-4 loss to the Astros, got the start at second base on Tuesday, his eighth starting nod at the position this season. He's hitting .320 with two home runs and 11 RBIs in 50 at-bats.

Black did indicate that with a left-handed pitcher scheduled to start Wednesday for the Astros -- Dallas Keuchel -- and with the Rockies coming to town Friday with two lefties scheduled to start that the right-handed-hitting Gyorko will see action in the immediate future.

Gyorko has five hits in 10 at-bats against lefties this season. He's hitting .054 with two hits in 37 at-bats against right-handed pitchers.

The Padres owe Gyorko $32 million on the $35 million extension he signed last April. He'll making $2 million this season and will make $4 million in '16, $6 million in '17, $9 million in '18 and $13 million in '19. The club has the option of retaining him at $13 million for '20 or paying him a $1 million buyout.