Padres Add Kyle Blanks; Designate Xavier Nady For Assignment

Mar 5, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Kyle Blanks (88) singles during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Before tonight’s interleague battle with the Kansas City Royals, the Padres decided to make a roster move to help bolster the club. The Padres announced on Twitter that former first round pick Xavier Nady was designated for assignment and Kyle Blanks was added to the active roster.

The 35-year-old Nady was signed as a minor league free agent and made the club out of spring training, However, the results didn’t happen for him on the field, as he saw his first big league action since 2012. Nady had a .135/ .238/.405 line in 45 plate appearances in 2014.

The 27-year-old Blanks was off to a good start in Triple-A El Paso. He had a .265/.364/.651 line with nine homers and 20 RBI in 27 games. Last year for the Padres, he had a .243/.305/.379 line with eight homers and 35 RBI in 88 games.

The Padres clearly need a boost offensively, and even with Chase Headley and Carlos Quentin on the mend, any extra bats you can add from within are always a positive.

Blanks is capable of playing the outfield and first base, so look for him at either spot.

Nady now has 10 days to either be picked up by another team, traded, or accept a minor league assignment