San Diego Padres Transactions

Saturday, January 14

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $2.35 million deal with catcher Austin Nola. The 33-year-old backstop came on strong for the Padres in the postseason, but he wasn't all that great in the regular season with a .251/.321/.329 slash line, .649 OPS, four home runs, 40 RBI, 40 runs scored and two stolen bases in 397 plate appearances and a career-high 110 games played in 2022. Nola should once again see his fair share of playing time in 2023 in one of the best lineups in the league, but hasn't reached double-digit home runs since his rookie year with the Seattle Mariners in 2019 (10), and he could lose substantial playing time to Luis Campusano when it's all said and done.
		The San Diego Padres and infielder Jake Cronenworth avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $4.25 million deal. Cronenworth is coming off back-to-back All-Star nods for the Friars. He finished up his third MLB season with a .239/.332/.390 slash line with a career-low .722 OPS, 17 home runs, a career-high 88 RBI, 88 runs scored and three stolen bases in 684 plate appearances and 158 games. The 28-year-old has some decent power at the second base position and resides in one of the best lineups in baseball. He'll also be the team's primary first baseman in 2023, so he'll add some positional flexibility to his fantasy profile. Cronenworth is ranked just inside the top 20 second basemen at RotoBaller.

Friday, January 13

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres and outfielder Juan Soto avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $23 million deal, according to sources. The Padres swung a blockbuster trade to acquire Soto and first baseman Josh Bell from the Washington Nationals at last year's trade deadline. The two-time All-Star disappointed in 52 games to close the regular season for the Friars, though, hitting .236/.388/.390 with six home runs, 16 RBI and 31 runs scored. Still, he's only 24 years old and remains one of the best all-around hitters in the game with elite on-base skills, so there's a very good chance he bounces back for the Padres and fantasy managers alike in 2023, especially with no more shift.
		The San Diego Padres and relief pitcher Josh Hader avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $14.1 million deal, according to a source. It becomes the biggest salary in arbitration in MLB history for a reliever. The Padres acquired the left-hander from the Milwaukee Brewers at last year's trade deadline, but was uncharacteristically wild and really struggled overall in 2022. Hader had a 7.31 ERA in 19 appearances in San Diego and finished with a career-high 5.22 ERA (3.45 FIP), 1.28 WHIP, 36 saves, 9.6% walk rate and 37% strikeout rate. Despite the down year, the 28-year-old southpaw had a really rough stretch to blame and he looked to be back to elite Hader form in the postseason, so a bounce-back campaign in 2023 is very possible.
		The San Diego Padres and outfielder Trent Grisham avoided salary arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a one-year, $3.175 million deal. Grisham struggled to make contact regularly in his third year with the Friars in 2022, finishing with a .184/.284/.341 slash line, career-low .626 OPS, career-high 17 home runs, 53 RBI, 58 runs scored and seven stolen bases in 524 plate appearances over a career-high 152 games played. The 26-year-old was a liability at the plate, but he did show some signs of life in the postseason and also won his second Gold Glove award on defense. Needless to say, Grisham's fantasy value has dropped significantly heading into 2023, and there's a good chance he'll be benched this year if he doesn't improve.

Thursday, January 12

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres re-signed right-hander Craig Stammen to a minor-league deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Stammen will be invited to major-league spring training with the Friars for the seventh straight season. The 38-year-old reliever has been solid for the Padres in middle relief the last six seasons and posted a 4.43 ERA (5.15 FIP), 1.35 WHIP and 19.8% strikeout rate in 33 outings (one start) over 40 2/3 innings in 2022. He wasn't as good as he was in 2021, but Stammen has been workmanlike out of the SD bullpen with a 3.36 ERA (3.76 FIP), 1.14 WHIP, five saves and a 23.0% strikeout rate in 394 1/3 innings over the last six seasons. Stammen dealt with injuries last year and will strictly provide the Pads with more relief depth in 2023.

Wednesday, January 11

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres and free-agent designated hitter Nelson Cruz agreed to a one-year, $1 million deal on Wednesday, pending a physical, according to sources familiar with the deal. Cruz wants to win a World Series ring and was willing to take less money to play for a contender. He is also familiar with general manager AJ Preller from their days in the Texas Rangers organization. Boomstick looked his age (42) in 2022 with the Washington Nationals, hitting .234/.313/.337 with only 10 home runs, 64 RBI, 50 runs scored, four stolen bases and a 23.6% strikeout rate. Cruz ended the year on the injured list and eventually needed surgery on his left eye, but he should be good to go for the start of the 2023 season. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a whole lot from the seven-time All-Star in what is likely to be his final season, but he could provide some modest power numbers as a part-time DH in his new digs.

Saturday, January 07

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres signed free-agent outfielder Adam Engel to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday. Engel became a free agent this offseason when the Chicago White Sox did not tender him a new deal for 2023. The 31-year-old glove-first player comes to San Diego after six years with the Pale Hose in which he slashed an underwhelming .225/.280/.350 with a .631 OPS, 30 home runs 123 RBI, 173 runs scored and 47 stolen bases in 523 games. In 119 games in 2022, Engel hit .224 with two homers, 17 RBI, 32 runs scored and 12 stolen bases in 260 plate appearances. Engel can play all three outfield positions and will give the Friars some much-needed outfield depth, although he's unlikely to move the needle at all in fantasy as a bench player.

Friday, January 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres shortstop/outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (shoulder, wrist) has been cleared to resume baseball activities this weekend, according to a team source. Tatis is recovering from multiple surgeries in 2022. He had surgery on a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder in September and has had two surgeries on the scaphoid bone in his left wrist, with the latest one coming in October. The 24-year-old isn't eligible to return from his suspension until April 20, but he's expected to be ready for spring training. Tatis hasn't played since the end of 2021 and it's unclear exactly where he'll be playing defensively in 2023 after the addition of shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The young superstar has incredible upside when healthy, but even coming off multiple surgeries and a lost season in 2022, Tatis will be an early-round risk/reward fantasy commodity.
		The San Diego Padres and free-agent right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr. agreed to a split major-league deal on Friday, according to sources. Honeywell will make $725,000 if he's in the big leagues and $200,000 in the minor leagues. The 27-year-old former top prospect with the Tampa Bay Rays spent the 2022 in the minors with the Oakland Athletics, going 0-3 with a 7.08 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, 24 strikeouts and eight walks in 20 1/3 frames over 13 appearances (two starts) at Single-A Stockton and Triple-A Las Vegas. Honeywell still has interesting strikeout upside, but he just needs to remain healthy in order to have a shot at sticking on the Friars major-league roster as starting/relief depth.

Thursday, January 05

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent right-hander Wilmer Font on Thursday. The deal includes an invitation to major-league spring training. Font returns to the big leagues after posting a 3.03 ERA with a 24.5 percent strikeout rate over 28 starts in Korea over the last two seasons for the SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization. The 32-year-old will likely stay stretched out this spring in order to give the Friars some more back-end rotation depth in case Nick Martinez and Seth Lugo don't pan out. In parts of six major-league seasons with the Rays, Dodgers, Rangers, Blue Jays, Mets and A's, Font had a 5.82 ERA (5.41 FIP), 1.48 WHIP and 22.3 percent strikeout rate in 151 2/3 frames over 96 outings (22 starts).

Tuesday, January 03

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres agreed to a split deal with free-agent catcher Pedro Severino on Tuesday that will pay him $1.95 million if he's in the majors and includes $550,000 in performance bonuses, according to a source familiar with the deal. The 29-year-old backstop only appeared in eight games for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022, going 4-for-18 with an RBI, three walks and seven strikeouts. The Padres already have Austin Nola, Luis Campusano and Brett Sullivan on the roster at the position, so there's a good chance Severino will open the 2023 season in the minor leagues. In his eight big-league seasons, Severino has a slash line of .235/.306/.371 with a .677 OPS, 33 home runs, 134 RBI and 107 runs scored over 370 games. He'll represent catching depth for the Friars.

Tuesday, December 20

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres and free-agent catcher Pedro Severino reportedly agreed on a contract Monday, per MLB.com's Manny Randhawa. The agreement is a split contract that will pay him $1.95 million if he reaches the Major Leagues and includes $550,000 in performance incentives. The 29-year-old missed a chunk of the 2022 season while serving an 80-game suspension for a violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, but he has a .235/.306/.371 slash line in eight seasons. While the Padres generally are a favorable fantasy lineup, Severino will likely struggle for playing time, limiting his fantasy value, even in deep two-catcher leagues.
		According to a tweet from MLB.com's AJ Cassavell on Tuesday, the San Diego Padres have reportedly agreed to a deal with free-agent infielder Matt Carpenter. The deal guarantees him $12 million, with $6 million coming in 2023 and a $6 million player option in 2024. Carpenter will play something of a utility role in San Diego -- some first base, left field, right field, designated hitter and potentially as a backup at second and third base. Carpenter enjoyed a productive stint with the New York Yankees in 2022, hitting .305 with a .412 on-base percentage and 15 home runs in 154 plate appearances before breaking his foot. He saw most of his playing time for the American League East club at designated hitter and in right field while also logging innings at first base, third base and in left field.

Monday, December 19

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		According to a tweet from The New York Post's Jon Heyman on Monday morning, the San Diego Padres are reportedly finalizing a deal with free-agent pitcher Seth Lugo. The 33-year-old right-hander pitched to a 3.60 ERA and a 3.76 FIP in 62 appearances for the New York Mets last season. Pitching exclusively as a relief pitcher, the veteran logged 65 innings during the 2022 campaign. In those 65 innings, he registered 69 strikeouts to go along with 18 walks, three saves and 16 holds. According to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya, Lugo's deal is for two years and $15 million and includes a second-year player option. He'll have a chance to start for the Friars, which is what he was looking for on the open market. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals were also interested in him.
		The San Diego Padres and outfielder Max Schrock agreed to a minor-league deal on Monday that includes an invite to major-league spring training, according to a source. The 28-year-old outfielder is a career .299 hitter in the minor leagues and can play pretty much everywhere on the diamond. He made his major-league debut in the 2020 shortened season with the St. Louis Cardinals and spent the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. Schrock played in only 13 games in 2022 and went 4-for-26 with an RBI. In his three major-league seasons, he's slashed .256/.292/.393 with a .685 OPS, four home runs, 16 RBI, 21 runs scored and a stolen base in 77 games. He was limited to 33 total games last year because of a fractured right kneecap, but he should be healthy for spring training, where he'll battle for a roster spot as utility depth for SD.

Thursday, December 08

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres agreed to an 11-year, $280 million deal with free-agent shortstop Xander Bogaerts on Wednesday night. It comes after Trea Turner scored an 11-year, $300 million deal from the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday. Bogaerts has been an All-Star in three of the last four seasons and was extremely productive yet again in 2022 for the Boston Red Sox, slashing .307/.377/.456 with an .833 OPS, 15 home runs, 73 RBI, 84 runs scored and eight stolen bases in 150 games. The power drop from 23 to 15 homers has to be a bit concerning, though, as he enters his 30s. He'll have plenty of chances to drive in and score runs in a loaded Padres lineup, however. The addition of Bogaerts officially means the Padres are prepared to move star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. to the outfield.

Tuesday, December 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres signed free-agent outfielder David Dahl to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. Dahl spent the 2022 season toiling in the minor leagues for the Milwaukee Brewers and Washington Nationals, where he hit a combined .279/.345/.442 with 10 home runs, 51 RBI, 54 runs scored and four stolen bases in 359 plate appearances over 85 games for Triple-A Nashville and Triple-A Rochester. The 28-year-old left-handed hitter opted out of his contract with the Nationals in August to become a free agent. Dahl was an All-Star with the Colorado Rockies in his third MLB season in 2019, but injuries have defined his career to this point and he has played in 100 games at the MLB level just once in five seasons.

Wednesday, November 16

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		Free-agent pitcher Nick Martinez is reportedly returning to the San Diego Padres after opting out of his contract with the team to start the offseason, per NY Post's Jon Heyman. Both sides agreed Tuesday, but details were not disclosed. The 32-year-old played a large part in both the starting rotation and out of the bullpen for the Padres in 2022, pitching 106 1/3 innings over 47 appearances (10 starts) with a 3.47 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 21.2% strikeout rate, four wins, eight saves and eight holds. His ability to deliver in tight spots was showcased during the playoffs, and while his hybrid role will be useful for the Padres, it does limit his fantasy value.
		The San Diego Padres officially re-signed right-hander Nick Martinez to a three-year, $26 million deal on Wednesday. Martinez hit the open market when he declined his $6.5 million option for the 2023 season last week, but the two sides quickly worked to bring him back in 2023 and beyond. The 32-year-old opened the year in the Friars' rotation, but eventually moved to a relief role, where he was much more effective. Martinez even filled in as the closer when lefty Josh Hader was struggling, earning eight saves. He finished with a 3.47 ERA (4.43 FIP), a 1.29 WHIP, 95 strikeouts and 41 walks in 106 1/3 innings over 47 appearances (10 starts). There's a good chance that Martinez will open the 2023 campaign in the starting rotation, which gives him much more fantasy appeal for his strikeout upside.

Thursday, November 10

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres and relief pitcher Robert Suarez agreed on a five-year deal worth $46 million on Thursday, according to sources. The contract includes an opt-out clause after three years. Suarez opted out of his original 2023 deal after a breakout rookie season in 2022 in which he had a 2.27 ERA (3.22 FIP), a 1.05 WHIP, one save and 61 strikeouts in 47 2/3 relief innings in the regular season. He was downright unhittable at times in the playoffs, although he did give up a couple home runs to the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series. Suarez may not be in line for closing duties in San Diego, but he will certainly be in a high-leverage role, and his strikeout upside will make him valuable in fantasy.

Monday, October 24

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		As a result of the San Diego Padres playing 12 postseason games, shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (wrist) will be eligible to return from his suspension after missing the first 20 games of the 2023 season. He'll be eligible to return on Thursday, April 20, for the start of a four-game road trip against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Tatis began the 2022 season on the injured list due to a fractured wrist and was then suspended 80 games by the league for performance-enhancing drugs, so he didn't step foot on the field for the Friars. The 23-year-old has had two surgeries on his left wrist, and he should be ready to go for fantasy managers once he's eligible to return in late April. Tatis also had surgery on his left shoulder during his time off.

Tuesday, October 18

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (wrist), who already had surgery to fix a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder in early September, underwent a second wrist surgery last week. Tatis initially had surgery to fix a fractured scaphoid bone in his left wrist in March and had worked himself back on the cusp of a return before he was suspended for a banned substance on Aug. 12. There was concern how the repair would hold up long term, according to multiple sources, which is why he had the second surgery. President of baseball operations A.J. Preller said Tatis should still be ready for spring training next year. As long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks this offseason, the 23-year-old should be a first-round fantasy selection after leading the National League with 42 home runs in 2021.

Friday, October 07

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (illness) was left off the team's roster for the Wild-Card Series this weekend against the New York Mets. Clevinger was placed on the injured list earlier this week with a non-COVID-related illness, but he should be available to return to San Diego's starting rotation if they advance to the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 31-year-old right-hander finished the regular season with a 4.33 ERA, and he had a 6.52 ERA with eight walks, 18 strikeouts and eight home runs allowed in his final six starts, so it's not a huge surprise he was left off the Wild-Card Series roster. The Friars will go with Yu Darvish in Game 1, Blake Snell in Game 2 and Joe Musgrove in a possible Game 3 in New York.

Wednesday, October 05

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		The San Diego Padres placed right-hander Mike Clevinger (illness) on the injured list on Wednesday and recalled right-hander Nabil Crismatt from Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move. Clevinger will not be able to make his final regular season start on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants, and it remains to be seen if he'll be available for the wild-card series against the New York Mets this weekend. If the 31-year-old is dealing with COVID-19, there's a chance he could be on the playoff roster for the first round. With Clevinger out on Wednesday, reliever Craig Stammen will serve as the opener in the regular season finale against the Giants. Clevinger will finish the regular season with a 7-7 record, 4.33 ERA (4.97 FIP), a 1.19 WHIP and a 91:35 K:BB in 114 1/3 innings over his 23 outings (22 starts).

Friday, September 09

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto (shoulder) is in the lineup Friday night against Dustin May and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Soto was injured during Wednesday's game after being hit by a pitch and had to be taken out early due to a right shoulder contusion. However, the 23-year-old superstar feels better after a day off Thursday and is ready to get right back in the lineup. The Padres' coveted trade deadline acquisition has hit just .232/.397/.374 in 127 PA with the team, numbers that simply aren't up to par for a hitter of his caliber. Although he's been frustrating, Soto remains a must-start for fantasy managers. Get him back in your lineup.

Thursday, September 08

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto (back) was removed from Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after being hit by a pitch in the upper back. He went 0-for-1 with a strikeout before exiting. The 23-year-old initially stayed in the game before being pulled in the top of the fifth inning for Trent Grisham. He will undergo further evaluation after the game and is considered day-to-day. Soto has struggled over his last 10 games, hitting .143 (5-for-35) with one homer, two RBI, and six runs. Grisham and Wil Myers would see an uptick in at-bats if Soto is forced to miss any time. Stay tuned.
		San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto (shoulder) sustained a right shoulder contusion during Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. According to Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the star outfielder should be "ok" after Thursday's team's scheduled day off. A pitch hit him in the shoulder, but he initially stayed in the game before being pulled in the top of the fifth inning for Trent Grisham. Soto avoids a significant injury and should return to the lineup for Friday's contest against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Soto is slashing .243/.406/.460 with 24 home runs, 52 RBI, 82 runs, and six stolen bases over 562 plate appearances in 130 games in 2022.

Wednesday, September 07

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. had a successful surgery Tuesday to repair the labrum in his left shoulder, per San Diego-Union Tribune's Kevin Acee. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old should have plenty of time to heal before the start of the 2023 season, although he will need to finish his 80-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. Tatis was a huge fantasy bust this season after first fracturing his wrist in an off-season motorcycle accident, then receiving the suspension. That being said, he will remain a top fantasy option once he returns.

Tuesday, September 06

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers (neck) is back in the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He missed the series opener on Monday due to a neck issue. Although, the injury sounds minor, so fantasy managers shouldn't have anything to worry about with Myers. He'll play first base and bat seventh against right-hander Merrill Kelly on Tuesday. Fantasy managers can go ahead and get Myers back in their lineups.

Monday, September 05

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers (neck) was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 31-year-old was pulled out of the contest in the third inning due to neck tightness. Since then, the organization hasn't given an update on Myers, but the expectation is that he's listed as day-to-day. Possibly, the Padres place him on the injured list, but might wait a few days. Matt Beaty replaced Myers on Sunday, so he'd likely see more playing time, assuming Myers sits out more contests.
		San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers (neck) said the injury that forced him to leave Sunday night's game early against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers is not serious. "It's definitely day-to-day, nothing more than that," Myers said about his neck tightness. The 31-year-old struck out in his only plate appearance against the Dodgers before leaving on Sunday. While he shouldn't miss significant time, there's still a chance he won't be in the starting lineup on Monday for the series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Myers is hitless so far in six at-bats in September and is slashing just .247/.296/.348 with three home runs, 29 RBI and 20 runs scored in 198 at-bats this season.
		San Diego Padres third baseman Brandon Drury (head) remains out of the starting lineup on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Drury was hit in the head on Friday night and also sat out the final two games of the series against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday and Sunday. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. The 30-year-old has hit just .220 (22-for-100) with five home runs, 20 RBI and 15 runs scored in 27 games since being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds. Josh Bell is starting at first base and hitting cleanup on Monday against Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson, who is making his major league debut. Bell has been even worse since joining the Friars, going 19-for-105 (.181) with two homers, nine RBI, 17 runs scored and 24 strikeouts in 29 games since he was dealt from the Washington Nationals.
		The San Diego Padres placed infielder Brandon Drury (head) on the seven-day concussion injured list on Monday and activated catcher Jorge Alfaro (knee) from the injured list in a corresponding move. Drury left the game early last Friday against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers after getting hit in the head, and he'll now miss at least the next week. His IL stint is retroactive to Sept. 3. If he avoids any setbacks, Drury will be eligible to return this weekend in another series against the Dodgers. Alfaro went 4-for-15 with two home runs on a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso, but he's not back in the Padres lineup on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now that he's healthy, the 29-year-old backstop will split catching duties with Austin Nola.

Sunday, September 04

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres third baseman Brandon Drury (head) is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Padres manager Bob Melvin, Drury sustained a "little head contusion" during Friday's game against the Dodgers. The 30-year-old will miss at least one game and remains day-to-day. Since being traded to the Padres, Drury is hitting .220 with five home runs, 20 RBI, and 15 runs over 27 games. Josh Bell will start at first base, while Jurickson Profar will serve as the team's designated hitter on Saturday.
		San Diego Padres infielder Brandon Drury (head) is out of the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was pulled out of Friday's contest after getting hit in the helmet by a pitch. Drury hasn't played since then, so hopefully this isn't anything too serious. Josh Bell will serve as the designated hitter, while Wil Myers covers first base against lefty Caleb Ferguson. Fantasy managers should consider Drury to be day-to-day until further notice.

Saturday, September 03

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres third baseman Brandon Drury (head) was removed from the game early on Friday night against the division-rival Los Angeles Dodgers with a "little head contusion," according to skipper Bob Melvin. The Padres wanted to be proactive in pulling him on Friday, and they'll know more after he undergoes some testing on Saturday. The 30-year-old was hit in the head by a pitch in a scary moment in the top of the sixth inning, but he initially stayed in the game. He'll likely have to clear the league's concussion protocol if he's to be in the starting lineup on Saturday against Dodgers left-hander Julio Urias. Drury hasn't been as good as he was with the Cincinnati Reds in his 27 games with the Friars, as he's gone 22-for-100 (.220) with five home runs, 20 RBI and 15 runs scored.

Tuesday, August 30

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr.'s shoulder surgery is being postponed due to a non-COVID-19-related illness involving strep throat and a fever. The Padres will provide an update when the surgery is rescheduled. Tatis was scheduled to go under the knife after MLB handed him an 80-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. It remains to be seen how long the 23-year-old's surgery will be delayed, but he should still have plenty of time to be ready for the start of the 2023 campaign. Tatis was obviously a huge disappointment in 2022 after first fracturing his wrist in an offseason motorcycle accident. He'll start the season finishing off his suspension, but whenever he returns, he'll be one of the most coveted fantasy assets in the game.

Saturday, August 27

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto (back) is in the lineup tonight against Daniel Lynch the Kansas City Royals. Soto returns after missing three games with mid-back tightness. The Padres and fantasy managers alike need Soto back in their lineup, as the superstar is slashing .307/.481/.569 since July 1. Soto's power numbers haven't been as good as they were early in the year, but he is making similar contact and getting on base at an absurd rate. He still has a case for the best points league player in fantasy baseball, even with the down year. Get him back in your lineup.

Friday, August 26

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto (back) is not in the starting lineup Friday against the Kansas City Royals. Padres manager Bob Melvin was hopeful that the 23-year-old superstar would be able to return for the start of their weekend series after missing the last two games with mid-back tightness, but clearly Soto isn't feeling well enough to play quite yet. The Padres' big trade deadline addition has slashed .286/.438/.460 with two homers over his first 81 plate appearances with his new team. While he should be able to avoid an IL stint, fantasy managers will want to monitor this situation closely as the weekend progresses.

Wednesday, August 24

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres star outfielder Juan Soto (back) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Cleveland Guardians due to left mid-back tightness. He was initially in the lineup for Tuesday's contest but was a late scratch due to back tightness. The 23-year-old is considered day-to-day. His next chance to return will be Wednesday for the series finale against the Guardians. Wil Myers replaced Soto in the lineup and will start in right field for Tuesday's contest. The 31-year-old is slashing .248/.298/.321 with one home run, 24 RBI, and 15 runs over 181 plate appearances in 2022. Myers should see an uptick in playing time if Soto is forced to miss any time.
		San Diego Padres skipper Bob Melvin said he doesn't expect outfielder Juan Soto (back) to start on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians. Soto was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup due to left mid-back tightness. The 23-year-old superstar wasn't available to pinch hit on Tuesday, but he's responded well to treatment and should be considered day-to-day at this time. The Padres have an off day on Thursday, so fantasy managers will be hoping Soto returns to the lineup for the start of a series against the Kansas City Royals on Friday. Wil Myers got the start in right field on Tuesday against Guardians right-hander Aaron Civale and went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts in the team's 3-1 loss.
		As expected, San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto (back) is not in the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians. Soto was scratched from the lineup on Tuesday with left mid-back soreness, and he'll miss his second straight game. The 23-year-old superstar will be hoping to return to the lineup for the start of a series against the Kansas City Royals on Friday after an off day on Thursday. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. Wil Myers will get another start in right field on Wednesday and will hit seventh against Guardians right-hander Cal Quantrill. Myers has been hot at the plate in the last two weeks, going 8-for-23 (.348) with no home runs, two RBI and a run scored in nine games played (six starts).

Tuesday, August 23

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (shoulder), who is already out for the rest of the 2022 season while serving an 80-game suspension, announced on Tuesday that he'll undergo shoulder surgery. Tatis decided not to have shoulder surgery last offseason, but it makes sense for him to get it out of the way now. The 23-year-old star wasn't ready for the start of this year after fracturing his wrist while riding a motorcycle, and he was nearing his return to the lineup before his 80-game suspension was announced. Tatis' stock is down after all of his injuries and now with his lengthy suspension, but as long as he's healthy heading into the 2023 campaign, he should be one of the highest-upside young players in baseball.
		The San Diego Padres placed starting pitcher Yu Darvish on the paternity list on Tuesday. Darvish will not make his scheduled start on Wednesday in the series finale against the Cleveland Guardians, so fantasy managers will need to make some adjustments to their lineup this week. Pitcher Jose Castillo was recalled from the minors to provide an extra bullpen arm with Darvish unavailable for a few days. The 36-year-old Japanese right-hander has had a fine season in 2022, going 10-7 with a 3.39 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP and a 147:27 K:BB in 148 2/3 innings pitched over 23 starts for the Friars. He's been a little inconsistent in four starts in August, though, allowing 12 earned runs on 25 hits while walking three and striking out 27 in 26 1/3 innings.

Friday, August 19

TEAM	PLAYER	TRANSACTION
		San Diego Padres pitcher Pierce Johnson (elbow) is traveling to Peoria on Thursday to begin a rehab assignment with the team's rookie-level Arizona Complex League affiliate. He has been sidelined since April 22 due to right elbow tendinitis. The 31-year-old owned a 4.50 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts over six innings in 2022. Barring any setback, he could return to San Diego's bullpen in September. Johnson could be used in a high-leverage role for the Padres once he's officially activated and is someone to monitor in leagues that reward the category saves and holds.