Struggling rookie Liriano out of starting lineup

SAN DIEGO -- Rookie right fielder Rymer Liriano was out of the Padres starting lineup on Wednesday one day after going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts and committing his first career fielding error in Tuesday's 4-1 win over Milwaukee.

Liriano had previously started 12 of his first 14 games in the Majors and has played in every Padres contest since debuting on Aug. 11, but manager Bud Black didn't indicate the move was one dictated by Liriano's recent struggles.

"I don't think he needs [a day off]. I hope he doesn't need it," said Padres manager Bud Black. "But if it can help, I hope it helps."

Liriano has just one hit in his last 17 at-bats with no walks and six strikeouts. In 43 big league at-bats so far, he has a line of .186/.308/.279 with one home run and 4 RBIs, all of which came in his first four games.

The first major move new general manager A.J. Preller made was to promote Liriano from Double-A San Antonio to the Majors and would most likely love to see the 23-year-old claim a starting job.

But Liriano will have to perform better than he has been to do that. He has just two extra-base hits and has struck out in 26 percent of his plate appearances.

Will Venable took Liriano's place in right field Wednesday, while Abraham Almonte was granted another start in center alongside regular left fielder Seth Smith after homering and tallying 2 RBIs on Tuesday.

Liriano entered Wednesday's game in the 10th inning as a pinch-hitter, lining out to right field. The next batter, Rene Rivera, then won the game with an RBI single, as the Padres defeated the Brewers, 3-2.