Everth

Cabrera

One of the team’s final two roster cuts, Cabrera looked overmatched this spring, compiling a .210/.258/.290 batting line with 14 strikeouts. With major league stints in each of the past three seasons, don’t be surprised if he returns to the big club at some point this year.

It sounds like the Padres only recently became aware of the charges against the shortstop. Cabrera, who is batting .325 this season with 13 stolen bases for Triple-A Tucson, might have been in line for a promotion to replace Jason Bartlett soon, but the Padres will now hold off until his legal issues are sorted out. “We’re looking at our options to see where we can improve our roster,” GM Josh Byrnes said. “As it pertains to Everth, we want to be aware of his legal issues. We just have to be aware of it and we’ll act accordingly.”

Cabrera has pleaded not-guilty to domestic abuse charges levied after a fight with his wife during spring training. “I will be in Seattle,” is all Cabrera would say on the subject. The Padres open a three-game series against the Mariners on Tuesday.

Cabrera pleaded not guilty to domestic abuse charges levied after a fight with his wife during spring training. No explanation was given by the prosecutors for dropping the charge, but Cabrera’s attorney, Richard Suzuki, speculated that it could be because of “discrepancies about what happened that night.” The charge was dismissed “without prejudice,” which means the case against him could be re-filed at some point before next March, but that appears unlikely. The 25-year-old infielder is slated to rejoin the Padres on Tuesday.

Both hits were singles. Cabrera is now only two swipes away from his first 30-theft campaign. Hitting just .235/.317/.320, however, he’s far from locked into a starting job heading into 2013.

Cabrera finished the night 2-for-3 with a walk, a pair of runs scored and two RBI. He’s done a nice job since taking over as the Padres primary shortstop, hitting .275 with two homers, five RBI and four steals in just 69 at-bats. Those in deeper mixed leagues who are chasing steals would be wise to give Cabrera a look.

Bartlett, who is out with a strained right knee, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Thursday and can’t return until mid-July. The Padres might cut him loose before then, though, as they’re wanting to go younger at shortstop. Bartlett is making $5.5 million this season, and the Padres have a $5.5 million option on him for 2013 that contains a $1.5 million buyout.

Yasmani Grandal doubled to start the bottom of the ninth in a 1-1 game. After Yonder Alonso was intentionally walked, Cameron Maybin, with no intention of giving himself up, bunted for a single. Cabrera then drilled the first pitch he saw to left-center for what would have been a ground rule double under other circumstances. The Padres have now won six straight.

Exonerated from a domestic violence charge Monday afternoon in Arizona, Cabrera had a nice night in his return to the field. The 25-year-old has done a nice job since taking over as the Padres primary shortstop, hitting .278 with two homers, seven RBI and eight steals in just 79 at-bats. Those in deeper mixed leagues who are chasing steals would be wise to give Cabrera a look.

Cabrera seems to have settled in as the Padres leadoff hitter, and could act as a terrific source of speed from the middle infield position over the final month-plus of the regular season. He’s hitting .241 with a pair of homers and 21 RBI to go along with the aforementioned 25 swipes.