Alex Verdugo: Everything you need to know

Verdugo has been rehabbing a sore throwing shoulder at the Padres' spring training complex in Arizona and is expected to report to Triple-A El Paso in a couple of weeks once fully healthy, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The veteran outfielder signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on March 1, but the injury explains why he hasn't seen game action since the final week of the Cactus League. After posting a lowly .585 OPS over 213 plate appearances in the majors with Atlanta in 2025, Verdugo will likely need to find success over an extended period of time at El Paso before putting himself in consideration for a promotion to San Diego.

Verdugo agreed to a minor-league contract with the Padres on Sunday, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports. The veteran outfielder signed with Atlanta for the 2025 campaign and had a .585 OPS in 56 games before being designated for assignment in early July. Verdugo will report to minor-league camp for the Padres, and it's difficult to envision a realistic path to him making the Opening Day roster.

Atlanta designated Verdugo for assignment Wednesday. Atlanta needed to free spots on its 26-man active roster and 40-man roster for the reinstatement of Jurickson Profar from the restricted list, and Verdugo was the obvious choice after he slashed only .239/.296/.289 with zero home runs over 56 contests. Verdugo is likely to pass through waivers and become a free agent.