Pirela will start in left field and hit eighth against the Reds on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Pirela struck out in a pinch-hit appearance in Friday's game after getting called up Triple-A El Paso earlier in the day, and he'll draw his first start of the season in Saturday's contest against the Reds. The 29-year-old was brought up with Manuel Margot on the paternity list, so he might not be long for the big club. He has a pedestrian .259/.309/.392 slash line over 888 career big-league at-bats.

Pirela was called up by the Padres on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Pirela's stay on the big-league roster may be a brief one, as he's up to replace Manuel Margot, who was placed on the paternity list in a corresponding move. Pirela hit .249/.300/.345 in 146 games for San Diego last season.

Pirela was optioned to Triple-A El Paso, Bill Center of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Greg Garcia beat Pirela out for the utility infielder spot. He will serve as organizational depth at Triple-A.

Pirela is 12-for-29 with two doubles, two triples and three home runs in 15 spring training games.

EDGE Analysis

Pirela had a breakout season in 2017 with a .288/.347/.490 slash line in 83 games, but struggled during his first full season in the majors last year with a .249/.300/.345 line. The Padres' offseason additions of Manny Machado and Ian Kinsler severely impact Pirela's potential playing time, with prospects Luis Urias and Fernando Tatis also expected to see major-league roles this season. Pirela is likely slated for a utility role, and is doing his best in spring training to lock down his spot on the Opening Day roster.

Pirela went 3-for-5 with two RBI in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Pirela raised his batting average to .254 in 390 at-bats this season after hitting a solid .288 across 312 at-bats in 2017. The 28-year-old has scored 52 runs and slapped 27 extra-base hits.

Pirela went 1-for-4 with a stolen base and a run scored in Wednesday's loss to Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Wil Myers (nose) was scratched from the starting lineup after a pre-game grounder nicked him in the face, so Cory Spangenberg slid over to third base, allowing Pirela to get a rare start against a righty at the keystone. Myers is doubtful for Thursday's series-finale, so Pirela could be in line for another start after spending the majority of August in a backup role.

Pirela will start at second base and hit eighth Sunday against the Cubs.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres are opposing a left-handed starting pitcher (Jon Lester) for the fourth time in six games, with Pirela entering the lineup at the keystone on each occasions. In his prior three starts, Pirela went just 1-for-10, which won't make a compelling case for manager Andy Green to move the 28-year-old back into a full-time role. Instead, Pirela looks to be locked into the short side of a platoon at second base with Carlos Asuaje.

Pirela is out of the lineup Sunday against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Pirela finds himself on the bench for the third straight game against a right-handed starting pitcher (Zack Greinke), while Carlos Asuaje gets another nod at the keystone. At this point, it looks like Pirela has settled into the smaller side of a platoon with Asuaje at the position, limiting the fantasy appeal of the latter. Though his .263 batting average is well above the MLB mean, Pirela hasn't provided much in the way of categorical juice outside of the runs category. He has managed only three home runs, four steals and 26 RBI across 349 plate appearances on the season.

Pirela is out of Friday's lineup against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

He may be losing some ground on the second base job, as Carlos Asuaje will get the start for a second day in a row. Pirela is hitting .194 with two home runs over his last 62 at-bats.

Pirela is not in Thursday's starting lineup against the Diamondbacks, Jody Jackson of FOX Sports Arizona reports.

EDGE Analysis

Pirela will get the day off after going 3-for-11 with a double and two walks over his last five games. Carlos Asuaje will bat second and play second base in his absence.