The Padres have unveiled their active roster for the upcoming Seoul Series showdown against the Dodgers, and there are a few notable additions and adjustments.
Confirming earlier reports, San Diego has officially inked contracts with prospects Jackson Merrill and Graham Pauley, solidifying their presence on the team. Additionally, Tyler Wade, a minor league signee, has been added to the 40-man roster, bringing the roster count to 39 players.
Unfortunately, the Padres have had to place three players on the injured list. Infielder Tucupita Marcano, who suffered a torn ACL last August, remains sidelined and far from ready to return.
Pitchers Luis Patiño and Glenn Otto have also been sidelined, with Otto nursing a teres major strain in his throwing shoulder and Patiño grappling with elbow inflammation. In addition to these moves, reliever Woo-Suk Go has been optioned to Triple-A El Paso following a challenging spring performance where he allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Despite the setbacks, there are promising developments in the team’s lineup. Jackson Merrill, at just 20 years old, is set to take the field as the Padres’ starting center fielder after an impressive showing in Spring Training, boasting a .351/.400/.595 slash line in 13 contests.
Merrill’s consistent hitting prowess, which was on display last season with a .277/.326/.444 line and 15 homers across High-A and Double-A, has earned him recognition as one of the minors’ top hitters. However, the move isn’t without its risks, as Merrill has yet to play above Double-A and has no prior experience in center field.
Nonetheless, the Padres have a history of boldly promoting their top prospects, and Merrill is slated to fill a crucial spot between Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jurickson Profar in the Opening Day lineup.
Meanwhile, Tyler Wade, a seasoned utilityman, returns to the majors for his eighth consecutive season. Known for his versatility and left-handed hitting, Wade has primarily served in bench roles throughout his career with the Yankees, Angels, and A’s.
Despite a modest .217/.293/.300 batting line in over 700 major league plate appearances, Wade impressed during Spring Training, securing his spot with a .294/.351/.471 performance in 14 exhibition games. While not expected to be a major offensive force, Wade brings speed and defensive prowess to the table, capable of playing multiple positions apart from catcher.
His presence provides valuable support to Graham Pauley at third base and Jackson Merrill in center field, particularly in late-game situations. It’s worth noting that Wade is out of options, meaning the Padres would have to subject him to waivers if they opt to remove him from the major league roster.
In another roster move, Rule 5 pick Stephen Kolek has secured a place in the Opening Day bullpen. The right-hander, who was initially drafted by the Dodgers in 2018 before being traded to the Mariners in 2021, boasts a solid track record in the minors, evidenced by his 3.76 ERA over 69 1/3 relief innings across the top two minor league levels last season.
Kolek’s impressive performance during Spring Training, highlighted by 5 2/3 scoreless frames, has earned him the opportunity to potentially make his major league debut, possibly against his former team, the Dodgers.
