Will Middlebrooks went 1-for-3 in his Padres debut Thursday and played third base.

Middlebrooks went 1-for-3 in his Padres debut Thursday and played third base.

Analysis:

Middlebrooks is vying with Yangervis Solarte for San Diego's starting third base job. The former Red Sox third baseman was acquired in December and is in the mix at both corner infield spots, but third base is the more likely landing spot. Solarte is the incumbent, but it appears that Middlebrooks will be given a fair shot at winning the job.