Padres Call Up Veteran Ahmed to Bolster Roster Amid Injury Setbacks!
Nick Ahmed On September 22, the San Diego Padres made a series of roster moves aimed at addressing growing injury concerns as they head into the crucial final stretch of the season. Notably, they selected veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed, while also placing Mason McCoy on the 10-day injured list due to back inflammation. Additionally, right-handed pitcher Jhony Brito has been moved to the 60-day injured list following a right elbow strain.
Nick Ahmed, a familiar face in the division from his time with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants, signed with the Padres on August 31. This was the final day players could sign and remain eligible for the postseason roster. Since joining the team, Ahmed has been training at the Padres’ complex in Peoria, Arizona. With McCoy sidelined, Ahmed will step in as the backup shortstop, providing veteran experience to a team in contention for the playoffs.
Ahmed expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to a winning team. “Any time you join a team that’s winning and in contention, and you have a chance to make the playoffs and play some games in October, it’s a lot of fun,” he said. This season, Ahmed has a .571 OPS over 69 games played between the Giants and Dodgers, making him a valuable addition as the Padres push for a postseason berth.
Currently, Xander Bogaerts remains the starter at shortstop, having transitioned back to the position with Ha-Seong Kim out due to shoulder inflammation. Kim’s return is uncertain; he has been unable to fully ramp up his throwing due to lingering discomfort from an injury sustained on August 18.
The injury report also highlights the status of several other players. Mason McCoy is expected to potentially return in October, but his recovery at the team’s Spring Training complex in Peoria means he hasn’t played since September 14. Meanwhile, Jhony Brito, who has not pitched since August 17, faces a long recovery, with his return projected for 2025.
In addition, the Padres are monitoring the status of Stephen Kolek, who has been dealing with right elbow tendinitis and could return in October. Luis Patiño, having undergone Tommy John surgery in April, is also expected back in 2025.
With these roster adjustments, the Padres are hoping to navigate the remainder of the season successfully and secure a spot in the postseason, leaning on both veteran experience and emerging talent to overcome their injury challenges.