Padres teenage catching prospect to miss two months

Salas, who doesn't turn 19 until June 1, only appeared in 10 games this season with Double-A San Antonio before landing on the injured list in mid-April. The team initially thought it was just a simple back strain before having Salas undergo a CT scan after the discomfort refused to go away while rehabbing at the team's spring training complex in Arizona, which determined the nature of the injury. 

Rest seems to be the prescribed course of action here, with Padres GM A.J. Preller cautiously optimistic that Salas will be able to return in the season's second half.

"He'll get hopefully a lot of at-bats in the second half of the year. We could potentially make up at-bats when we get to the fall or winter seasons. You always want guys out on the field playing. But he's 18 years old, this is more about long-term. He'll get plenty of at-bats this year, plenty of playing time."

Salas has hit .221/.305/.347 over 800 plate appearances in the minor leagues, all while roughly five years younger than the average competition.

MLB Pipeline has Salas ranked as the team's No. 2 prospect, behind only shortstop Leo De Vries. 

Each of his brothers also play professionally, with Jose in the Twins organization and Andrew in the Marlins system. 

While San Diego is hoping Salas will arrive in the major leagues as soon as possible, the organization has also been deliberate about not rushing his development. This setback, while significant, likely won't change Salas's timeline for reaching the majors. He didn't likely figure into the team's plans this season, even if the club could use an upgrade behind the plate. Neither Elias Diaz (.250/.326/.400) nor Martin Maldonado (.207/.233/.328) are providing the team with much offensive support.