Return of Forsythe Pays Dividends For Padres

Forsythe has made a splash already this year. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

I will admit that I was worried when I read the news that Jedd Gyorko was headed to the 15-day disabled list.

San Diego’s second baseman was in the midst of a terrific start to his professional baseball career until he suffered a groin injury during an extra inning loss to the Rockies last weekend.

The loss of one of the team’s best young players was particularly stung because the Friars were beginning to play competitive baseball.  Undeterred by the loss of Gyorko though, Bud Black and San Diego’s brass looked to the minor leagues and called up the previously banged up (foot) Logan Forsythe early this week to fill in for Gyorko until he returns to the lineup.

Luckily for the Padres, the addition of Forsythe has already paid dividends.

With Gyorko sidelined, Logan came off of a rehabilitation stint with Triple-A Tucson earlier this week to take his place as the Friars’ second baseman.  During his first stint with the Friars in 2013, Forsythe made quite the splash against the N.L. East-leading Atlanta Braves.

In his first at-bat, the infielder launched his first home run of the 2013 campaign and finished the contest 2 for 2 with a single and walk in addition to his big fly.  Forsythe also smacked an important two-run single during the first inning of Wednesday’s game as well.  Overall, Logan hit .333 during the series, scored two runs and drove in three more.

Forsythe’s hot start might have surprised some, but I for one remember how much Logan improved down the stretch last year.  In the second half of last season, the 26 year-old infielder emerged as San Diego’s starting second baseman and definitely made us fans forget about the “Bartlett-Hudson Debacle.”  Logan finished the year with a .273 batting average (91 games, 315 at-bats), 13 doubles, six home runs, 26 runs batted in, 45 runs scored and a .343 on-base percentage.

Although Forsythe is blocked at every infield position by Chase Headley, Everth Cabrera and Gyorko, he is still a solid role-player for the Friars to have on their roster for utility purposes like now.  Due to his ability to play second base, third base and shortstop, Forsythe can step in for any one of those aforementioned guys if injuries occur or an off-day is needed.  San Diego definitely missed his presence early in the season when Headley was on the disabled list, and Logan could have definitely been a more reliable option as a right-handed hitting third baseman than Cody Ransom was.

April woes for the Friars aside, I for one am glad that Forsythe is around to pick up some of the slack during Gyorko’s absence.  Most of all though, I am sure that the Padres are happy to have one of their better role-players back on their roster and healthy as well.

Stats Courtesy of: Baseball Reference and ESPN