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+1
On Friday, the Padres listed Rob Johnson as their starter at catcher, and Kyle Phillips was seen hanging around the ballpark. That raised some questions about ordinary backstop Nick Hundley, and now, courtesy of Corey Brock, we have an answer as to what's going on:
Hearing that #Padres catcher Nick Hundley has a right oblique strain.
Yeah, that would explain it. And assuming this is true, Hundley probably won't be out for just one or two days - he'll likely need a stint on the disabled list, as oblique strains are tricky things of which you need to take care.
It's a shame for the Padres, because to date, Hundley has been one of the only competent hitters in the starting lineup. His .758 OPS is tops among regulars on the team, with only Cameron Maybin and Chase Headley also being north of .700. Backup Rob Johnson has a career OPS of .595, and doesn't really make up for it with his defense.
Update: Hundley has officially been placed on the 15-day disabled list.
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Nick Hundley Returns, Blake Tekotte Optioned
According to North County Times reporter Dan Hayes, the Padres have activated catcher Nick Hundley from the Disabled List and optioned prospect Blake Tekotte to the minors.
Hundley was doing well before going on the DL, and when healthy ranks as one of the Padres' better hitters.
Yes, of course that's damning with faint praise but doesn't mean he's not a good player and a prince among Padres. In Hundley's absence, Rob Johnson got way too much playing time. Johnson, a veteran, probably won't lose his roster spot but the Padres would be better served -- hitting-wise, at least -- with a tandem consisting of Hundley and lefty-hitting Kyle Phillips. Don't hold your breath, though.
Tekotte, hardly a top prospect entering the season, skipped Class AAA on his way to the big club and went just 3-for-19 in his brief tryout. Presumably he'll get another shot later this summer, after he's done something in the Pacific Coast League.
Jun 08 4:08p by Rob Neyer - 0 comments