The Padres announced that they’ve reinstated outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. from the 60-day injured checklist, as previously reported. In corresponding strikes, they optioned outfielder Bryce Johnson and designated outfielder Jose Azocar for task.
Azocar, 28, has been largely serving as a speed-and-defense depth participant for the Padres lately. He has appeared in 214 video games over the 2022-24 seasons, however has solely been despatched to the plate 397 occasions. He has produced a batting line of .243/.287/.322 in these journeys to the plate, which interprets to a 74 wRC+. However he has stolen 18 bases whereas additionally producing eight outs above common and two defensive runs saved within the outfield.
The Friars have regularly optioned him to the minors in that point however he shall be out of choices after this yr. That will have made it more durable for the Padres to maintain him on the 40-man, so he’s been got rid of on Monday. He additionally hasn’t helped his case a lot with the bat within the minors as he has slashed .276/.309/.402 in 438 plate appearances at Triple-A because the begin of 2023 —manufacturing that results in a wRC+ of 70.
Since we’re within the post-deadline a part of the schedule, the Friars should put Azocar on waivers within the coming days. If any membership has curiosity in Azocar’s specific ability set, it might put in a declare after which hold Azocar on elective task for the remainder of the yr, although he could have much less roster flexibility in the long term.
