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San Diego Padres evaluate catching options during National League Wild Card race

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 9:06 PM

Last updated Sep 6, 2026

San Diego Padres evaluate catching options during National League Wild Card race

Summary

The San Diego Padres face a roster dilemma regarding playing time for their three active catchers. Luis Campusano offers offensive power, highlighted by a recent walk-off home run against the New York Yankees. Freddy Fermin remains the primary defensive choice, leading the team in caught-stealing occurrences. Meanwhile, top prospect Ethan Salas recently joined the major league roster after a promotion from the minors. The team holds a narrow 0.5-game lead in the National League Wild Card standings. Coaching staff decisions regarding the starting backstop remain fluid as the club balances current defensive needs against the offensive contributions of its personnel during the final stretch of the season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Luis Campusano hit a walk-off home run against the New York Yankees on September 4.
•Freddy Fermin has recorded 23 caught-stealing outs during the 2026 season.
•Ethan Salas, the team's top prospect, debuted in the major leagues this September.
•The Padres currently hold a 0.5-game advantage in the National League Wild Card race.

Latest Updates

9:06 PMYahoo Sports — The Padres’ Catching Conundrum: Who Deserves the Most Playing Time?

What they're saying

"
The San Diego Padres’ catching unit has introduced a dilemma to the front office, who haven’t faced a difficult decision in some time. With a history of insufficient catchers over the years, the Padres are experiencing a tough situation with three individuals who provide the team with an advantage in separate aspects of the game. …
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

New York Yankees San Diego Padres MLB Baseball