The Padres have optioned struggling infielder Jedd Gyorko to Triple-A, the club announced.

Gyorko, 26, has seen his playing time dwindle in San Diego. But it remains a surprise to see him headed back to Triple-A. After all, Gyorko is playing in just the second year on the six-year, $35MM extension he signed early last season. Most of that contract is due after this year, and it comes with a $13MM option for 2020 ($1MM buyout).

The Padres had hoped that Gyorko would take the reigns at second for the long run when they locked him up, but he’s struggled badly ever since. Since a strong rookie campaign in 2013, he owns just a .210/.280/.328 slash with 12 home runs in 574 plate appearances.

San Diego will hope that Gyorko can work out his issues in the upper minors and return to deliver value on his contract. In the meantime, the club will presumably rely on some combination of Cory Spangenberg and Yangervis Solarte at second.

The move serves to emphasize the Padres’ middle infield woes. Short and second have both checked in at (or just below) replacement level thus far, and the .500 club could be in need of a boost in both spots if it hopes to stay in the hunt.