The Padres’ search for a long-term shortstop remains ongoing, with no answers on the immediate horizon.

That reality became clearer in the bottom of the sixth Friday at Surprise Stadium. Luis Sardinas, who showed some promise after joining the Padres last August, entered as a defensive replacement in left field, a position he has appeared at only once in his major league career.

Manager Andy Green said after the game that Sardinas, who came into camp as the Padres’ incumbent shortstop, is now bidding to make the team in a utility role. Erick Aybar, a 33-year-old non-roster invitee, is the favorite to anchor the infield on opening day.

“At this point in time, I think he’s going to start bouncing all over the field,” said Green, who had a conversation with Sardinas earlier Friday, informing him of the change in plans. “We’ve got to see him in a bunch of different places, see what kind of versatility he offers.”


Sardinas, 23, struck out in his lone at-bat of the afternoon, dropping his Cactus League average to .184. Aybar started at short and went 0-for-3, but is hitting .273. Dusty Coleman, another non-roster invitee, replaced Aybar in the seventh.

Sardinas was once a well-regarded prospect for the Rangers, whom the Padres coincidentally faced on Friday. At one time, he was considered a talent on par with Rougned Odor and Jurickson Profar, now regulars in the Rangers’ infield.

As Sardinas’ bat lagged behind his defense, however, most scouts came to see him as better suited for a utility job.

The Padres acquired Sardinas from Seattle last summer, surrendering cash in exchange. In 120 plate appearances with his new team, he hit .287 with two home runs. The team released veteran shortstop Alexei Ramirez in early September, leading to everyday opportunity for Sardinas.


Now, he will have a limited amount of time to show his ability at other positions. Sardinas, who is out of minor league options, has 39 career appearances at third base and 13 at second, but the Padres seem to be sufficiently covered at both spots. Sardinas’ three innings in left field Friday were uneventful.

“I’m obviously not that concerned if a fly ball gets dropped the first day out here, because he hasn’t been practicing out there,” Green said.

Aybar, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from one of the least productive seasons of a solid career. The longtime Angels stalwart signed a minor league deal with the Padres a week before spring training.

“Erick has been outstanding, in my opinion,” Green said this week. “He’s got some leadership qualities that we don’t necessarily have in the position-player corps, nice attributes to add to the team. He plays intelligently. He knows the game very well. He slaps around offensively. He’s been swinging the bat better and better with every at-bat that goes by.”


The Padres have recently considered trade possibilities, including Detroit’s Jose Iglesias and Cincinnati’s Zack Cozart. Arizona, as first reported by the Arizona Republic, is willing to listen to offers for shortstop Nick Ahmed, but the Padres could be reluctant to pay an in-division premium to acquire the 27-year-old.

San Diego plans to give infield prospect Luis Urias, who has primarily played second base, some time at shortstop this year. Urias is expected to open the season with Double-A San Antonio.

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