Myers shows off defense in third game back

SAN DIEGO -- The play of Wil Myers in center field during the Padres' 5-1 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday proved how much San Diego has missed his presence this season.

In just his third game back after being reinstated from the 60-day disabled list, following surgery on his left wrist, Myers made standout plays in center field, providing damage control.

In the the second inning with runners on first and second and two outs, Myers made a nice over-the-head running catch, to rob Carl Crawford of a hit. After the catch, starting pitcher Andrew Cashner waited outside the dugout to praise Myers.

"Myers played some outstanding defense today," Cashner said. "He saved me a couple of runs."

Myers would make two more grabs at center in the third inning, keeping the Padres in the game.

However, a throwing error by Nick Vincent in the seventh inning made it difficult for the Padres to come back, giving Cashner his 14th loss of the season. The right-hander allowed two earned runs on five hits over six innings, while striking out five.

He gave up the go-ahead run in the sixth inning when A.J. Ellis' single bounced out of the glove of Justin Upton, who was attempting a diving catch.

"With what we were faced with sixth, seventh and eighth right now we felt like it was the right move to keep [Cashner] in. It would have taken a great catch by Justin, and he got out of it the next pitch," interim manager Pat Murphy said. "I thought Cash pitched well enough to win by far. I mean he goes six innings, two runs, I thought he pitched great -- a step in the right direction for him."

Myers went 1-for-4 Sunday, with a single up the middle in the sixth inning, recording his first hit since coming back. Myers had played in only 35 games this season before his latest DL stint.

Video: LAD@SD: Myers singles to tally first hit since injury

"Wil is still getting in midseason form, still getting his way in there. He made some nice plays both [Saturday] and [Sunday] in the outfield, shows what a great athlete he is what he is capable of at first base," Murphy said. "But he's got a lot to learn at the new positions, both of them he has yet to play too much. We look forward to his future. It's bright."

Myers started at first base Friday and center field Saturday and Sunday. Myers moved to first base in the seventh inning Sunday.

"I really do enjoy first base a lot," Myers said. "It's a position I feel like I am good at, so I enjoy working there but I also enjoy outfield as well."

At the plate, Myers said his timing has been good, but he's still working on finding his approach.