The San Diego Padres made the roster move we expected on Friday, selecting the contract of RHP Jose Espada from Triple-A El Paso. To make room on the active roster, the team optioned RHP Nick Hernandez to Triple-A and transferred LHP Tim Hill to the 60-day IL, officially ending his season.
Espada will be making his MLB debut as soon as he takes the mound for the Padres. The 26-year-old began his professional career all the way back in 2015, and has slowly worked his way up through the minor league ranks.
This year, he began the season in Double-A, but dominated to the tune of a 2.81 ERA in 26 appearances (seven starts). He got the call up to Triple-A, where he picked up right where he left off, sporting an impressive 2.79 ERA in nine appearances (two starts) across 19.1 innings pitched.
The Padres are still mathematically alive in the Wild Card race, so Espada will do what he can to assist them in getting there.
As for Hill, he underwent surgery on his finger, which will keep him out for about six to eight weeks. He's expected to be ready for spring training, and will hope to have a better year after having a down season in 2023.
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