San Diego Padres third baseman, soon to be utility man, Christian Villanueva has had a solid 2018 rookie campaign. If it weren’t for the unbelievable play of Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna Jr and Washington Nationals teenage sensation Juan Soto, we would probably see Villanueva’s name at least in the discussion for 2018 National League Rookie of the Year. Now, Andy Green and the Padres are trying to find a role for him, moving forward.
Just a few days ago, Villanueva played first base and did a workable job. It was just a one-game sample size but he didn’t look completely lost and as if his play at first is going to cost the team any victories (not like that matters at the moment, anyway).