Thu Sep 12 01:20:30 UTC 2024: ## Padres Demote Catcher Luis Campusano to Triple-A, Recalling Outfielder Brandon Lockridge and Lefty Tom Cosgrove
**San Diego, CA** – The San Diego Padres made a series of roster moves ahead of their matchup against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, most notably optioning catcher Luis Campusano to Triple-A El Paso.
Campusano, who had been the Padres’ starting catcher for much of the season, struggled both offensively and defensively. He batted a dismal .227/.281/.361 in 299 plate appearances, while also recording the worst defensive runs saved among catchers, 15 runs below average. He also tied for the fifth-most passed balls in the league with six.
This demotion marks the first time Campusano has been sent down in two years. He is still under team control for four more seasons, but with a dwindling performance and the emergence of Kyle Higashioka and Elias Diaz, the Padres opted for a change behind the plate.
The team also placed Martín Pérez on the paternity list and recalled outfielder Brandon Lockridge and lefty reliever Tom Cosgrove. Lockridge, acquired from the Yankees at the trade deadline, is known for his speed and will likely serve as a pinch runner and defensive specialist in his first MLB action.
The Padres are currently in a tight race for a Wild Card berth and are looking to solidify their roster for the remainder of the season. While the future of the catching position remains uncertain, with both Higashioka and Diaz impending free agents, the move to option Campusano provides flexibility for the team as they evaluate their options going into the offseason.
First Piper 