The San Diego Padres have announced several roster moves ahead of their series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night. The moves include activating outfielder Trent Grisham and right-hander Dinelson Lamet from the 10-day injured list, optioning outfielder Brian O’Grady and right-hander Nabil Crismatt to the alternate training site, and designating infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo for assignment.
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Grisham, who was sidelined with a hamstring strain since late March, will return to his role as the team’s starting center fielder and leadoff hitter.
The 24-year-old had a breakout season in 2020, hitting .251/.352/.456 with 10 home runs, 26 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases in 59 games. He also won a Gold Glove for his stellar defense in center field.
Lamet, who finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting last year, will make his season debut on Monday night against the Dodgers. The 28-year-old had a dominant 2020 campaign, posting a 2.09 ERA, a 0.86 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts in 69 innings.
He missed the postseason with a biceps injury that raised concerns about his elbow health, but he avoided surgery and rehabbed over the winter.
O’Grady and Crismatt were both part of the Padres’ taxi squad for their recent road trip. O’Grady appeared in four games as a pinch-hitter and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
Crismatt pitched in two games and allowed two runs on four hits in three innings. Both players will remain in the team’s depth pool at the alternate site.
Mateo was out of minor league options and had to be exposed to waivers before being sent to the alternate site. The 25-year-old was acquired from the Oakland Athletics last summer and made his major league debut with the Padres in 2020.
He played in seven games this season and went 3-for-18 with a double, a triple, and two stolen bases. He can play multiple positions, including second base, shortstop, and center field.
The Padres hope that these roster moves will help them gain some ground in the NL West race, as they currently trail the Dodgers by three games. The two teams will face each other seven times in the next 10 days, starting with a four-game series at Petco Park.
Final Thoughts: Padres activate Grisham and Lamet, designate Mateo for assignment
The San Diego Padres have made several significant roster moves ahead of their crucial series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The activation of outfielder Trent Grisham and right-hander Dinelson Lamet from the injured list will provide a major boost to the Padres’ lineup and rotation, respectively.
Grisham, who had a breakout season in 2020, will return to his role as the team’s starting center fielder and leadoff hitter. His return will give the Padres a much-needed spark at the top of the order, as he is a threat both at the plate and in the field.
Lamet, who finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting last year, will make his season debut on Monday night against the Dodgers. His return is a significant development for the Padres, as he was a dominant force in their rotation last season.
His ability to miss bats and limit runs will be a big asset for the Padres as they try to catch up to the Dodgers in the NL West standings.
The decision to option outfielder Brian O’Grady and right-hander Nabil Crismatt to the alternate training site is not surprising, as both players saw limited action during their recent road trip.
O’Grady had a rough start to the season, going hitless in four pinch-hit at-bats with three strikeouts. Crismatt also struggled in his limited appearances, allowing two runs on four hits in three innings.
Both players will remain in the team’s depth pool at the alternate site.
The most significant move of the day was the designation of infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo for assignment. Mateo was out of minor league options and had to be exposed to waivers before being sent to the alternate site.
He played in seven games this season and went 3-for-18 with a double, a triple, and two stolen bases. While he has shown some versatility in the field, his overall performance was not enough to warrant a spot on the Padres’ roster.
Overall, the Padres’ roster moves reflect their urgency to make up ground in the NL West race. The next ten days will be crucial for the team, as they face the Dodgers seven times, starting with a four-game series at Petco Park.
The return of Grisham and Lamet should give the Padres a boost, but they will need to perform at a high level to keep pace with the defending champions.
