The Padres announced that they have designated left-handed pitcher Josh Spence and outfielder Blake Tekotte for assignment. The moves helped create space for the reinstatements of left-hander Cory Luebke, right-hander Joe Wieland, catcher Nick Hundley, and infielder/outfielders Kyle Blanks and James Darnell. The Padres' 40-man roster is now at capacity.
Spence, 24, appeared in 11 games for the Padres this season but spent the bulk of the year in Triple-A where he posted a 4.20 ERA with 6.6 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 31 appearances. Tekotte, 25, hit .243/.284/.402 with nine homers in his first Triple-A season.
tekotte is such a bummer. kid looked good through AA but then got shuttled back and forth to the big league club to cover for injuries before he was ready. when he finally went to AAA his plate discipline completely vanished. he’s young, hope he still has time to get it together.
If the Padres never acquired Cameron Maybin I’m sure Tekotte would still be in the picture. With the changes to the park, players of Tekotte’s ilk might have been more equipped to suceed. He’s got a lot of similarities to Shane Victorino, and now his career is on the same path. Good luck Blake! I’m just glad it wasn’t Darnell they were designating. Think Darnell’s bat is much more up for the task.
Will the Padres ever give up on Blanks? I realize he has a ton of upside in terms of power, but he is always hurt and now with who they have in the outfield, when is he ever going to get playing time at the big league level? Are they keeping him around just so they have him to throw in left when Quentin gets hurt?
I imagine Blanks would be given a chance to compete with Guzman for that role (1B/LF/RF/PH)
If you have room on the roster, how can you not be tempted to claim and take a chance on either? Tekotte with power, speed and he’s young and Spence a decent lefty specialist.
I see Parino and Oramas next. Oramas is out with TJ surgery right? Parrino is nothing more than a utility player, though I think someone could snag him. And what’s the future hold for De Paula? Is going to be let back into the US next year?