Padres News: Strategic Roster Moves Set Stage for Playoff Push

The San Diego Padres are making some strategic roster adjustments as the postseason approaches.

Recently, the team optioned catcher Luis Campusano to the minor leagues, a move that appears designed to increase playing time for veteran catcher Elias Díaz.

At 33 years old, Díaz is seeking to secure his role behind the plate as the team enters the high-stakes playoff environment.

Brandon Lockridge, a 27-year-old outfielder, has been called up from Triple-A to fill the spot left vacant by Campusano.

On the surface that would appear to make him a longshot to figure into the Padres' postseason plans. And he may well be. Yet according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune , the Padres might be using the last two weeks of the regular season to give Lockridge a look for a possible playoff roster spot too

"Lockridge, 27, was acquired from the Yankees in a July 30 trade for reliever Enyel De Los Santos. He has never played in the major leagues. There likely will not be much playing time for him, given the Padres are in a playoff chase and have multiple off days in which to rest their regulars.

"But the team plans to see how he performs on defense and running the bases. Lockridge has stolen 46 bases this season after stealing 40 in 2023. There is a possible choice to be made between him and Bryce Johnson when forming a playoff roster."

He has had an impressive stint in the minors this season, boasting a .325 batting average and an on-base percentage of .420, along with a striking 46 stolen bases.

In contrast, outfielder Bryce Johnson, who holds a .206 batting average this season, is also vying for a spot on the playoff roster.

Having spent time in the big leagues, Johnson represents a more seasoned option, but the imbalance in performance metrics raises intriguing questions about the team’s final selection.

As the Padres assess potential playoff candidates, injuries to key starters such as Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr. could play a significant role in determining the roster.

The Padres, according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune , will be evaluating Lockridge's performance over the final weeks of the regular season, with the goal of solidifying his position for the playoffs.

As the season winds down, these roster decisions highlight the Padres' commitment to evaluating every option available as they set their sights on a postseason push.