After Active Trade Deadline, Padres' Roster Awaits Further Reinforcements

When it came to upgrading the San Diego Padres' roster at the 2026 trade deadline, A.J. Preller did about as well as he could while still being rational. But that doesn't mean there aren't more improvements to be made. Or, more precisely, already in motion.

That has to do with players who are currently on the injured list making their way back to the Padres. There has been a lot of chatter about right-handed starters Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta, who made their first rehab outings last Tuesday, and are a few weeks away. But they aren't the only ones who can make an impact for the Friars down the stretch.

Let's take a look at that decision and other spots on the roster:

Starting Rotation

Here is how the Padres' rotation is currently set up: Michael King, Walker Buehler, Robbie Ray, Randy Vasquez and Casey Mize. It could stick that way until one of Musgrove or Pivetta are ready. One other option in the equation will be Lucas Giolito, who has not yet started a rehab assignment and could be slow-played as an emergency rotation option. With Musgrove having thrown 39 pitches in his first rehab outing, going nearly three innings, you might see him need only four total outings before coming back.

That would make for a tough decision for the Padres when one of those two do return, much less both. When healthy, those two slot in as the mid-rotation options in the Padres' rotation, if not as the Nos. 1 and 2 guys. That puts Vasquez and Buehler on the bubble. The performance of those two over the coming weeks will determine their fate. Vasquez is easier to put in the bullpen as he has been there already this year. Buehler would be a tougher ask as he has made just two relief appearances, both last year, since the beginning of the 2019 season. As an impending free agent who could be interested in returning next season, that deepens that decision.

Buehler's performance hasn't been steady, yet he has provided a presence in the rotation that hasn't always been there this year. Perhaps that, and his postseason track record, gives him the edge.

Bullpen

In addition to Giolito, who could factor into the bullpen with the rotation as he comes back from right elbow inflammation, two other arms are on the mend. The first one is right-hander David Morgan (left knee inflammation), who is currently on a rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso, while the other is right-hander Jason Adam (strained right shoulder), who is expected back in September as he has yet to start a throwing program.

Adam has the bigger role as the right-handed setup man for closer Mason Miller. Morgan, however, had one rehab outing July 15, then not another until Aug. 2, likely meaning a restart of his rehab assignment. That gives him 30 days before having to be activated. As someone who goes a max of two innings, Morgan probably only needs another few outings with at least one of two innings and likely a back-to-back to finish his assignment.

As far as joining the roster, there would be two options. The first would be taking Canning's spot, while the second could be stashing Morgan at Triple-A. The second one could be a better option as long as Canning is doing well in a relief role. By the time Adam is set to return, Canning or Morgan would probably be the odd man out, depending on injuries and performance.

Bench

While Preller signed outfielder Austin Hays on Sunday and optioned newly acquired Gage Workman to Triple-A El Paso, there are two other players who can strengthen the Padres' bench and/or lineup. Those are utilityman Samad Taylor and designated hitter Miguel Andujar. Both have played big roles on the team this year.

Taylor has been sidelined since injuring his oblique on July 7 and is currently taking swings down in Arizona at the team complex, meaning he could be back as soon as this week. He was a surprising boost to the offense after coming up at the beginning of June, slashing .330/.410/.398 with a homer, 11 RBIs and 11 steals. While he can play infield or outfield, Taylor had taken over as the everyday left fielder before the injury. While Luis Rengifo has filled in probably on a same or greater level than Taylor, the two could platoon in left as Taylor is a right-handed hitter and Rengifo a switch-hitter. Who would that bump from the roster? Outfielder Jase Bowen would be up next, especially with Hays now on the roster, as Rengifo and Taylor can both play infield or outfield.

Andujar should be back by the end of the month as he comes back from a fractured right wrist. He was no longer in a splint Friday. Andujar is a key right-handed bat who is a doubles machine and has a .259/.303/.423 slash line with five homers and 22 RBIs along with 20 doubles, which led the team at the time of his injury July 19. Andujar's return, barring any other injuries, would force a decision between Hays, Taylor and Rengifo. While difficult, it also means the Padres' roster is in a good spot.

Overall

The roster as currently constructed is very solid. But getting at least Musgrove back if not Pivetta as well, along with Adam, Taylor and Andujar will make this roster as deep as it has been in quite some time. There would be more versatility with Taylor and Rengifo, allowing for some late-inning defensive substitutions without losing much of anything defensively. Craig Stammen would also avoid having to play Gavin Sheets in the outfield, and that allows for the possibility of Taylor and Rengifo playing corner outfield spots, Fernando Tatis Jr. coming in to play second, and Cronenworth sliding over to first base if generating offense becomes a serious issue again.