The San Diego Padres have kept their momentum going against all odds. Despite being down four in the bottom of the ninth in the second game against the Seattle Mariners, the Padres rallied with three straight two out hits to win their seventh consecutive game and fourth consecutive series.
The team did so despite getting pitcher Randy Vásquez worst start of the season, as he allowed four runs in four innings. It marked the first time this season Vásquez allowed more than one run and lasted less than five innings. To make matters worse, the team was without their starting catcher as Freddy Fermin took a foul back off the facemask and had to leave the contest, being replaced by backup catcher Luis Campusano.
Now, entering the final game of the series, the San Diego Padres announced they had made a roster move.
San Diego Padres Announce Roster Move
The Padres (via X) wrote: “We have reinstated INF Sung-Mun Song from the 10-day IL and optioned him to Triple-A El Paso.”
Song signed a four-year, $15 million contract, but he suffered an injury during spring training. He has been rehabbing with the team’s Triple-A minor league affiliate El Paso Chihuahuas, but has posted a .674 OPS in 16 games.
Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote: “Sung-Mun Song’s 20 day rehab window closed yesterday. He’s a minor leaguer now until deemed ready to contribute in the majors.”
The team did not make a move regarding catcher Freddy Fermin following his departure from Wednesday’s game. Luis Campusano is the starting catcher for the team’s final game of the series against the Mariners.
Campusano has gotten off to a strong start to the season as he currently has a .320 batting average and a .946 OPS. Campusano told reporters, “Just staying present, not trying to be a hero, but just trying to control what I can. It’s swing decisions. He left the third third one up, and I put a good swing on it.”
Sanders also gave an update on Fermin as he wrote: “Fermin had a good night sleep and remains free of concussion symptoms. Expects to be available today but doc will have final say.”
Padres vs Mariners
The Padres will have right-handed pitcher Walker Buehler in the series finale as they hope to sweep the Seattle Mariners. Buehler is fresh off his best start since joining the Padres as he threw six shutout innings against the Colorado Rockies. Entering Thursday’s matchup, Buehler has a 4.67 ERA in 12.2 innings over three starts with an 0-1 record and a 3.87 FIP.
For the Mariners, Luis Castillo will get the start. The three-time All-Star pitcher has gotten off to a rough start this season as he has a 6.92 ERA in 13 innings. Castillo pitched once against the Padres last season, allowing five runs over five innings in what was the Padres lone victory over the Mariners in their six matchups. On that occasion, outfielder Ramon Laureano hit a grand slam off Castillo; however, Castillo rebounded and did not allow a run over the next four innings.
San Diego Padres Announce Roster Move Before Mariners Game