Yangervis Solarte thankful for Padres' support

SAN DIEGO -- Yangervis Solarte rejoined the San Diego Padres on Saturday, a week after his wife, Yuliett, died due to complications of cancer at age 31.

Manager Andy Green said the third baseman will start Sunday in the finale of a four-game series against San Francisco.

"It's good to see him," Green said. "He's part of our family, so we're thrilled to have him back."

Solarte said he appreciated the support from the Padres.

"I don't really have enough words to thank the organization for what they've done," Solarte said through a translator. "When I saw some of the guys at the services down in Miami, I was really surprised. I think my wife would have liked to see that, and I think she's happy in the sky, looking down and knowing that happened."

Solarte said his three daughters and his mother are with him in San Diego.

"It feels a little different, and she's gone now, but at the end of the day, those things are out of our control," he said. "Those things are up to God, and that was his decision. We fought. We were hoping that she'd be around for a little bit longer, but here we are."