San Diego Padres: Jose Torres Released, Carter Capps Elects Free Agency

There’s been more movement with the San Diego Padres roster.

Finally, the San Diego Padres will not be connected to left-handed pitcher José Torres. After designating him for assignment last week, Torres has cleared waivers and the Padres have effectively released the pitcher from their roster. Torres is now a free agent.

Torres did not pitch in 2018, instead serving a 100-game suspension after a domestic violence incident resulted in numerous criminal charges, including intimidation, possession of marijuana, and assault with a deadly weapon after brandishing a gun on his wife.

He appeared in 62 games back in 2017 (his rookie season), recording a 7-4 record and 4.21 ERA. However, his stats, stuff, and potential as a pitcher in Major League Baseball seem to be irrelevant now. Good riddance.

Carter Capps elects free agency.

In more transaction news across the organization, right-handed reliever Carter Capps has elected for free agency, entering the 2019 offseason. The 28-year-old missed the entire 2016 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, then underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.

Coming back from Tommy John isn’t an issue for the majority of pitchers (just ask Chris Paddack), and more and more pitchers, such as Clayton Richard and Tyson Ross, are proving that you can return from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, however, Capps is now attempting to return from both and an overhaul of his mechanics. Well known for that funky delivery below, Capps was ordered by Major League Baseball to eliminate the iconic hope.

After appearing in 11 games for the Padres in 2017 (6.57 ERA, 1.14 WHIP), Capps spent the 2018 season rehabbing down on the farm, making stops with the Tri-City Dust Devils, Lake Elsinore Storm, and El Paso Chihuahuas.

Across all three levels, Capps logged 38 innings, giving up 30 hits and 17 walks while striking out 39 and posting an ERA of 3.79. He converted all three of his save opportunities (one at each stop).

At 28, it’s still likely that Capps can catch on with another organization and resurrect his major league career that saw him have successful stints with the Seattle Mariners and Miami Marlins. Expect a few teams to offer him a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training.