Holding onto the third Wild Card spot, the San Diego Padres have activated their newly acquired pitchers in their push for the postseason. San Diego made a few roster moves on Wednesday, activating left-handers Martín Pérez and Tanner Scott, as well as right-hander Bryan Hoeing. In order to clear roster spots for the trio, the Padres optioned Logan Gillaspie to Triple-A El Paso and designated left-hander Austin Davis for assignment. San Diego also placed right-hander Stephen Kolek on the 15-day injured list with right forearm tendinitis.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/Fvm7ElWPro
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 31, 2024
Padres Activate Newly Acquired Pitchers Pérez, Scott, and Hoeing
After spending the trade deadline bolstering their pitching staff, the Padres have their sights set on the postseason. At 58-51, they not only hold the third Wild Card spot, but are closing in on the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. General manager A.J. Preller has been busy throughout the season trying to build a legitimate World Series contender. Trading for Dylan Cease in March and Luis Arráez in May before acquiring Pérez, Scott, and Hoeing at the deadline.
With Joe Musgrove sidelined with elbow inflammation and Yu Darvish away from the team, the Padres added another layer of rotation depth in veteran left-hander Martín Pérez. Pérez signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in January. Despite being briefly sidelined with a groin strain in May, he owns a 5.40 ERA in 16 starts for Pittsburgh in 2024. The 33-year-old has an ability to eat innings, which is no small feat for a young rotation behind Dylan Cease.
Scott is one of the best bullpen arms in baseball this season. He has pitched to a 1.18 ERA with 18 saves and 53 strikeouts in 44 appearances for the Miami Marlins. The 30-year-old southpaw has not allowed a run in 17 appearances since June 17th.
Like Pérez, Hoeing is a starter/reliever hybrid and has already made two spot starts for the Marlins this season. He holds a 2.70 ERA, 1.267 WHIP, and a 20.2% strikeout rate in 16 appearances.
Having built one of the best bullpens in baseball, if their rotation can stay healthy and get through six or seven innings, their bullpen can dominate deep into October.
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