The San Diego Padres have optioned Will Middlebrooks to Triple-A, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The team has also called-up outfielder Abraham Almonte to take over Middlebrooks roster spot.
The 26-year-old third baseman has struggled for the Padres, hitting a slash of .212/.241/.361 with nine homers and 29 RBIs in 270 plate appearances. He has also been below average in the field, committing seven errors.
The Padres traded Ryan Hanigan to the Red Sox for Middlebrooks back in December.