Yangervis Solarte has fallen behind Will Middlebrooks in the Padres' third base position battle and has become a more likely candidate to assume a utility role, the Union-Tribune reports.

Solarte has fallen behind Will Middlebrooks in the Padres' third base position battle and has become a more likely candidate to assume a utility role, the Union-Tribune reports.

Analysis:

Solarte has played at three of the four infield spots this spring while Middlebrooks has only played at third. According to the Union-Times report, Solarte is competing with Cory Spangenberg for a utility role in San Diego's infield. While the competition hasn't been directly decided yet, it looks like Middlebrooks will be the Opening Day starter at third.