The Padres may not be done upgrading their roster just yet.
With San Diego pushing for a National League wild-card spot and playing its best baseball after a rough June, the club is reportedly at least weighing another move: a call-up for top prospect Ethan Salas. According to Padres insider Dennis Lin, the possibility is real enough to keep an eye on.
"One hundred percent, I see them considering it" Lin said. "I don't know about it being a lock, but I think there is a very good chance he'll be up in September, and even maybe before then, because let's remember, if you want to have a player eligible for the playoffs, they need to be on the 40-man before September.
"So I think they are looking at it; he's only one call away, or one step away from the majors. They promoted him just a couple weeks ago, and not surprisingly, his offensive stats have instantly ticked up."
Salas has gone from long-term hope to a player forcing the issue. After an injury-heavy 2025 season, the 20-year-old has put together a strong year in the minors and has started turning that promise into production.
At Double-A, he played in 72 games and hit .286 with seven home runs, 37 RBIs and an .778 OPS. That performance earned him a move to Triple-A, where he has kept rolling. In nine games there, Salas is hitting .333 with two home runs, 12 RBIs, six walks and a 1.086 OPS.
That kind of jump gives the Padres something to think about, especially with no settled answer behind the plate. Freddy Fermin, Luis Campusano and Rodolfo Durán have all handled catching duties this season, but none has locked down the job in a way that shuts the door on Salas.
Fermin has played 73 games and is hitting .197 with four home runs, 16 RBIs and a .595 OPS. He also missed time on the injured list with a head bruise, though he has been better lately.
Campusano has dealt with injury issues as well, but when he’s been available, he’s been productive. He’s hitting .296 with four home runs, 16 RBIs and an .874 OPS.
Durán, who made his MLB debut this season, has appeared in 39 games while the Padres have dealt with those injuries behind the plate. He has hit .146 with three home runs, eight RBIs and a .527 OPS.
Whether Salas arrives in San Diego this month or in September, the idea is now out in the open. The Padres appear to be looking hard at the possibility, and Lin made clear that a debut this season is very much on the table.
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