Ryan

Schimpf

Schimpf was hitting .103/.289/.272 in 29 at-bats since being called up from Triple-A on June 14. He’ll continue to serve in a utility role until the Padres get Cory Spangenberg back.

Schimpf hit an RBI single in the top of the fourth inning and a solo homer in the top of the eighth, finishing the day 3-for-5 with two runs scored and two RBI. The 28-year-old second baseman now has nine home runs in July, which is a new record for a Padres rookie in a single calendar month. Schimpf was raking at the Triple-A level prior to his mid-June promotion, so maybe this breakout is somewhat for real.

Schimpf started off his major league career by going 3-for-29 last month. In July, though, he’s managed four homers in six games as the Padres’ second baseman. He would have been sent down already had Cory Spangenberg returned from the DL as quickly as hoped, but now he’s suddenly making a case to remain a starter in the second half.

The second homer was a walkoff three-run blast off Patrick Corbin in the bottom of the ninth. Schimpf is up to 14 homers in 53 games since his callup. It’s enough to make one wonder why he didn’t arrive in the majors until age 28.

Schimpf took Logan Verrett deep for his first career grand slam in the first inning before connecting for a two-run shot against him in the third inning. This is the second two-homer game of his brief major league career. While the 28-year-old is hitting just .218, he has surprised with 12 homers and a .917 OPS in just 47 games. 24 of his 31 hits have gone for extra bases. With his power, he can’t be ignored in mixed fantasy leagues.

Schimpf also singled in the ballgame, finishing the night 2-for-3 plus a walk. The single is actually a rarity as it was just his 11th of the season while he has 32 extra-base hits. He isn’t going to hit for a very high average, but is slashing a mighty impressive .235/.360/.601 with 16 homers and 37 RBI in just 60 games with the Padres.

The 28-year-old earned his promotion by hitting .355 with 15 homers and 48 RBI in 51 games for El Paso. This will be Schimpf’s first stint in the major leagues. Hector Sanchez was designated for assignment in the corresponding move.

Schimpf led off the ninth with a solo bomb off Brad Ziegler to pull the Padres to within 7-5, but they were unable to find the needed subsequent offensive surge to mount a true comeback. With the homer, the 28-year-old second baseman finished 2-for-4 on the evening. He is hitting just .196/.321/.435 in 46 at-bats since being called up in mid-June, but has homered in two of his last five games.

He also homered in a losing effort in the first game of the twin bill. While he’s a potential drain in batting average, Schimpf has brought impressive power to the table since his recall from Triple-A, slashing .227/.337/.600 with seven homers and 13 RBI in just 89 plate appearances. He’s worth a look in mixed leagues if lacking power in the middle infield.

He’ll start at second base, with Ryan Schimpf drawing the start at third base. Solarte has been in and out of the lineup this week because of a left thumb injury.