Breaking News: Padres Confirm Replacement for Star after Terrible Injury

The Padres have announced the promotion of infielder Mason McCoy to their active roster. To make room, infielder Matthew Batten has been optioned to Triple-A El Paso, and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. has been transferred to the 60-day injured list. Although Tatis has been on the IL for 60 days already, this move is procedural, allowing him to return as soon as he is fully recovered. Jeff Sanders from the San Diego Union-Tribune shared news of the McCoy and Batten transactions on X before the official announcement.

McCoy, 29, joined the Padres on a minor league contract this offseason. This year, he has appeared in 108 games for Triple-A El Paso, batting .260 with a .329 on-base percentage and a .382 slugging percentage, resulting in a wRC+ of 79, indicating he has been 21% below the league average.

McCoy has struggled offensively throughout his career, hitting .239/.318/.400 with a wRC+ of 80 in 458 Triple-A games since 2021. His Major League experience is limited to a single plate appearance with the Blue Jays last year, though he played in six games overall, primarily as a defensive replacement. Known for his strong defensive skills and speed, McCoy has accumulated double-digit stolen bases regularly, including 25 this season.

 

 

With shortstop Ha-Seong Kim currently on the injured list, utility player Tyler Wade has taken over at shortstop. McCoy offers the Padres versatile infield depth, having experience at every position to the left of first base, along with some outfield work. He may see significant late-game action due to his defensive abilities and speed on the bases. McCoy has multiple options remaining and minimal service time, so the Padres could retain him for an extended period if they choose.

As for Tatis, the move to the 60-day IL is a formality. He was placed on the IL on June 24, retroactive to June 22, due to a right femoral stress reaction. The retroactive transfer means he can be reinstated at any time, and it was reported earlier this week that he might return by mid-September.