PHILADELPHIA -- Rookie shortstop Everth Cabrera has done enough good things in the field and at the plate to merit more periodic playing time, even as Luis Rodriguez is off to a strong start for the Padres.

Manager Bud Black said before Friday's game against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park that the team will continue its pattern of giving the 22-year-old starts even though Rodriguez is hitting .294 with a .464 on-base percentage.

"Right now, it makes sense on this [pattern] usage," Black said. "He has handled himself very well, especially on the defensive side."

Cabrera got his third start of the season Thursday at Citi Field against the Mets and had a hit and played good defense, making a nice play on a slow roller hit by Daniel Murphy in the ninth inning and making a strong return throw to get Jose Reyes on a double-play ball.

Cabrera, a Rule 5 Draft addition from the Rockies, is hitting .200 (2-for-10), but has 10 assists without an error and has been a part of four double plays. That's a far cry from the spring, when he made eight errors, though most came early in Spring Training.

Rookie Cabrera impressing Padres | padres.com: News