Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko could begin playing rehab games soon, reports Chris Jenkins of the Union-Tribune San Diego.
Gyorko has been out since June 10 with a groin strain, but he could begin a rehab stint in High-A Lake Elsinore, according to Bud Black.
The Padres second baseman was enjoying an excellent rookie season until getting hurt, batting .284 with an OPS of .802. He also had to learn a new position, which he was holding down relatively well for the Padres.
Filling in for Gyorko has been Logan Forsythe, who has done an adequate job and is posting an OPS of .697 at second base. Gyorko is still a significant offensive improvement over Forsythe, however, and he is a decidedly better option for the Padres.
With the team having fallen out of contention, now in last place at 40-48, it may make sense for them to take their time with the promising young second baseman.
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