Overview
- The Padres selected Ethan Salas’ contract on Sept. 1, 2026, and moved him from Triple-A El Paso to the big-league roster as MLB active rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players.
- San Diego also recalled right-hander Jhony Brito and transferred Luis Rengifo to the 60-day injured list to open a 40-man spot for Salas.
- Salas, 20, rebounded in 2026 after a 2025 back injury, combining to hit .296/.374/.448 with 10 home runs over 96 minor-league games and posting a .326/.410/.539 line in 24 Triple-A games.
- The club projects Salas as a defensively advanced, left-handed option who could serve as a third catcher, a bench/lefty matchup bat, or a DH in late-season matchups, though his immediate usage has not been set.
- By starting his service time now the Padres lock in control years and arbitration timing for Salas and preserve the chance that strong rookie-season awards could yield a future prospect-promotion benefit for the club.