The San Diego Padres have officially bolstered their roster by signing catcher Elias Diaz as part of their playoff drive, according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Tribune. Diaz, 33, joins the team after inking a minor league deal following his release from the Colorado Rockies earlier this month. He is expected to take a key position player spot as part of the upcoming roster expansion.
In addition to Diaz, the Padres will also activate left-handed pitcher Wandy Peralta from the 15-day injured list, filling a void on the pitching side. Reliever Tom Cosgrove will be recalled from the minors, though the team will need to make another move to accommodate him on the active roster.
Diaz spent five seasons with the Rockies, playing in 462 games and compiling a .253 batting average with a .403 slugging percentage. While his offensive output benefited from the hitter-friendly Coors Field, Diaz was primarily recognized for his solid defense behind the plate. Last year, his efforts earned him an All-Star nod.
However, his season took a downward turn after a calf injury sidelined him for three weeks in June, affecting his performance. Diaz’s struggles continued, leading to the Rockies releasing him after considering a trade earlier in the season.
Now, Diaz joins the Padres’ catching rotation alongside Luis Campusano and Kyle Higashioka. Higashioka has been a reliable power option with 16 home runs and a .230 batting average, while Campusano has faced difficulties at the plate, hitting .233. Diaz’s defensive abilities and the potential to bounce back offensively could add valuable depth as the Padres push for the postseason.
On the mound, Peralta is looking to regain his form after an uneven season in which he posted a 4.50 ERA over 34 innings. The Padres hope he can return to the consistent performance he displayed in past seasons, where he maintained a 3.01 ERA across 200 appearances with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees.
As the Padres head into the final stretch, these roster moves could be pivotal in their quest for a playoff berth.
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