Padres News: How a Mistaken Phone Call Landed a Key Player for San Diego
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Donovan Solano's journey to the San Diego Padres began with a simple misdial. Instead of reaching his gardener, Solano accidentally called Padres hitting coach Victor Rodriguez, whom he had known for years.
During their conversation, Rodriguez inquired about Solano's current employment status. Solano mentioned he was still looking for a team. This unexpected chat turned Rodriguez into a strong advocate for Solano within the Padres organization.
At the time, the Padres were weighing their options between Solano and Tommy Pham. When Pham signed with the Chicago White Sox, the Padres quickly secured Solano at a fraction of Pham's cost.
Solano signed a minor-league deal in April, which would guarantee him $790,323 if he was called up to the majors. By May 5, the Padres needed him, and he quickly became a regular, starting 21 of the last 27 games.
Solano has proven to be a reliable veteran, known for his disciplined approach at the plate. He boasts a .277/.349/.402 batting line and has been versatile in the field, covering third base, second base, and even serving as the designated hitter in nine games.
This fortuitous phone call has turned into a significant gain for the Padres, showcasing how unexpected moments can lead to valuable opportunities.