It's become a late-summer tradition in San Diego. As the Padres play out the string we get to see some young players who did well enough in the minor leagues to earn a MLB call-up (remember clubs are able to expand their rosters for the final month of the regular season). On Wednesday the Friars added three players to the group.
Poway native Alex Dickerson got the call to come up from Triple-A El Paso. Dickerson can play the infield and outfield. Dickerson hit .307 with 12 HR and 71 RBI this year with the Chihuahuas. The 25-year-old made his MLB debut in August, getting one hit in two at-bats before heading back down to the farm.
Catcher Rocky Gale will make his MLB debut. He was in the mix to make the Padres Opening Day roster out of Spring Training after a solid Cactus League performance. Gale batted .307 for El Paso and threw out 35% of base stealers.
Jon Edwards is heading to Petco Park. He was the "player to be named" in the trade with Texas for Will Venable. Edwards is a right-handed relief pitcher who, in 37 games at the Triple-A level this year, was extremely effective. Edwards struck out 51 hitters while walking only 11. He converted 23 of 24 save chances.
Interestingly, Edwards has only been a pitcher since 2012. He was drafted in 2006 by the Cardinals as a high school outfielder but he didn't advance beyond high-A ball. After some time in the Independent Leagues he was signed by the Rangers to start his pitching career.
The Padres now have 30 players on the roster. They race another San Diego native, Rancho Bernardo High School alum Cole Hamels, on Wednesday night when they finish their 3-game series against Texas. The Padres send Ian Kennedy to the mound.
