Padres Around the Bases – 2/15

Batting,

Catching. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

With Pitchers and Catchers reporting on the 13th, there has been a lot more news and rumors coming out of Padres camp. Here is a round-up of what’s been going on.

On the 10th of February, the Padres signed Catcher Rob Johnson to a minor league deal. Rob caught for the Padres in 2011. He is trying to make a Minor League roster this time around as a relief pitcher. Last year in one game pitched for the Cardinals, Johnson struck out the only batter he faced. He should be a nice asset to have in camp where you need more arms and Catchers than you do at any other time of the season.

Speaking of Catchers, it’s looking more and more like Yasmani Grandal will be the Opening Day Catcher. Manager Bud Black had been hesitant to commit to Grandal, mainly because he didn’t believe that he would be recovered from his most recent surgery in time. Now, having seen Grandal work out, Black’s tune has changed somewhat. Let’s hope Grandal stays healthy all through Spring Training and continues to recover at an amazing rate.

As for other guys coming off of injury, U-T San Diego’s Dennis Lin was asked in a chat about Joe Wieland and Casey Kelly and their return from injury. He said that Wieland is ready to go right now and that Kelly will be pitching some rehab starts in the minors in April. You can check out the rest of his chat here.

Stay tuned for more updates from Spring Training! Our long, dark Winter is finally over!