Alexei Ramirez came off the bench Friday night to collect the first pitch-hit homer of his career. He found himself in the starting lineup the next night for the first time in a week and then again on the bench as rookie shortstop Jose Rondon started Sunday’s finale against the Phillies.
Given the Padres’ direction, the 34-year-old Ramirez can expect that sort of rotation the rest of the season.
He’s made his peace with it.
“I understand from the team perspective,” Ramirez said Sunday through an interpreter. “It’s good for the team getting some young players up to play.