Blake Tekotte makes splash in return to San Diego

SAN DIEGO -- Blake Tekotte went 3-for-19 during his first stint in the Major Leagues earlier this season.

In his first game back Tuesday, the Padres rookie outfielder had three hits and two steals in four at-bats in a 1-0 loss to the Dodgers.

"Last time [in the Majors], it felt a little overwhelming, maybe," Tekotte said. "I got my feet wet, went back down and knew what I had to work on. I changed a little bit of my swing, just kind of my approach and everything.

"This go-around I feel a little bit more comfortable up there in knowing what I need to do."

Tekotte's big night came against starting pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who pitched seven dominant innings and held all other Padres hitters to three hits.

"He was just throwing his sinker," Tekotte said. "I was just swinging at good pitches, and luckily I was finding some grass out there."

Tekotte was promoted from Double-A San Antonio on May 23 and optioned back June 8. He was added to the roster on Tuesday to take the place of outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who was traded to the Pirates on Sunday.


(mlb.com)