Padres News: San Diego Optimizes Roster for Postseason Push

Since returning from the All-Star break, the San Diego Padres have hit their stride, demonstrating a level of consistency rarely seen in recent years. With just 20 position players utilized throughout the season, the Padres are making their mark with a streamlined roster that echoes the minimal player usage of the 1985 team . However, unlike the 1985 squad, which fell short of the postseason, this year's team appears poised for a more promising finish.

In a season where player stability seems to be the name of the game, the Padres have managed to keep their roster remarkably compact. The 20 position players used this year is the fewest the team has employed since 1985, when they only needed 18.

That 1985 team finished fourth in the National League West and missed the playoffs. Fast forward to this season, and the Padres are on a trajectory that suggests a better finish and a likely postseason appearance.

The consistency in player usage is a testament to the team's health and the effectiveness of the current roster. Each position has seen at least three different players, a reflection of both stability and adaptability.

Here’s a closer look at how the Padres have managed their positions throughout the season:

Catcher : The Padres have rotated three players behind the plate. Luis Campusano and Kyle Higashioka have shared catching duties, with Campusano making 68 appearances and Higashioka 60. Brett Sullivan, who made four appearances before being optioned to Triple-A El Paso on July 12, has not returned to the big leagues.

First Base : Jake Cronenworth has been the primary first baseman, with 70 appearances. Luis Arraez has also seen significant time at first base with 53 appearances. Donovan Solano, Jurickson Profar, and Matthew Batten have each made minor contributions, though Batten was sent outright to Triple-A El Paso recently.

Second Base : Xander Bogaerts leads with 73 appearances at second base. Jake Cronenworth has made 49 appearances here as well. Luis Arraez and Tyler Wade have made occasional appearances, but their time at the position has been limited.

Third Base : Manny Machado has anchored the third base position with 73 appearances. Solano has also filled in here with 26 appearances, while Wade, Eguy Rosario, and Graham Pauley have contributed less frequently. Rosario was optioned in July, and Pauley was traded to the Marlins at the deadline.

Shortstop : Ha-Seong Kim has been the Padres' main shortstop with 119 appearances. However, since being placed on the 10-day injured list on August 20, Mason McCoy has filled in for Kim, making all four of his appearances at shortstop. Wade has also covered shortstop in Kim’s absence, adding three appearances to his tally.

Outfield : The outfield lineup has predominantly featured Profar, Jackson Merrill , and Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis Jr.'s femoral stress reaction in June led to David Peralta stepping into the primary right field role. The outfield has also seen contributions from Jose Azocar, Bryce Johnson, and, intermittently, Wade. Azocar was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on June 24.

The Padres’ ability to maintain a compact roster while achieving consistent results highlights their strategic depth and adaptability. As the team looks toward a hopeful postseason, the minimal changes in their position player roster might just be the secret ingredient to their success.