Overview
- The Padres designated Nick Castellanos for assignment on Wednesday and recalled infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor from Triple-A El Paso to take his spot on the 40‑man roster.
- Castellanos hit .191 with a .560 OPS, four home runs and 20 RBIs in 39 games for San Diego, and the team cited his inability to adapt to a part‑time role and limited defensive or baserunning value.
- Manager Craig Stammen said the club had discussed a reduced role with Castellanos when they signed him and that the player struggled with the transition to playing intermittently.
- Procedurally, the DFA gives the Padres seven days to trade, release, or place Castellanos on waivers and multiple reports say he is likely to clear waivers and become a free agent.
- Philadelphia remains responsible for most of Castellanos's remaining 2026 salary after releasing him in February, and the move ends a low‑risk, league‑minimum experiment by San Diego that was designed to boost bench flexibility.