When the Padres first started talking about being a buyer as the trading deadline approached, the word was that they would seek an outfielder or another starting pitcher.

Then second baseman David Eckstein went on the disabled list July 21 with his second right calf strain in a span of three weeks.

Suddenly the Padres’ trade focus switched to the infield. If Eckstein were going to be lost for an extended period of time, or if his injury were to occur again, the Padres were really weak in the infield. Struggling shortstop Everth Cabrera has again slipped under .200. And with Eckstein out, the backup infielder is right-handed pinch hitter Oscar Salazar.

A club official said the Padres weren’t going to win the National League West with Cabrera at shortstop.