Miguel Andújar’s return is about to complicate the Padres’ roster picture

Getting a solid hitter back in September should feel like a gift. But with an offense that’s turned its misfortunes around down the stretch, it's a lot more complicated for the Padres. Miguel Andújar absolutely belongs on the active roster. Before a fractured right wrist sidelined him on July 20, he hit .259/.303/.423 with five home runs and 22 RBIs in 74 games. He supplied an experienced bat for Craig Stammen to deploy against lefties.

The Padres can still use every bit of that. They also filled Andújar’s vacancy while he recovered. Austin Hays arrived on a major league deal. Dustin Harris earned a promotion after scorching Triple-A El Paso. Samad Taylor began a rehab assignment for his strained oblique. At the same time, San Diego optioned Sung-Mun Song and removed one of the few players on the bench with natural infield experience.

Miguel Andújar’s return creates a Padres bench logjam

The names have multiplied faster than the jobs and now we’re looking at a crowded bench. It’s crowded around both the corner outfield and DH spots, but light on true infield coverage. Luis Rengifo can move around the dirt, but Andújar and Taylor do not restore what Song provided defensively. Andújar has worked primarily as a DH and right-handed bench bat. Taylor offers speed and outfield range.

September roster expansion gives the Padres a short grace period. The active roster grows from 26 to 28, creating one obvious opening for Andújar or Taylor. Joe Musgrove is also tracking toward an early-September return and could claim the other spot. Nick Pivetta is progressing behind him. Once Taylor is ready, the pressure returns. The eventual postseason roster will make it even harder.

Let’s start with Harris. He reached the majors on Aug. 24 after forcing the issue in El Paso, and his left-handed bat gives the bench a different look. He has also exhausted his minor league options. Removing him would require a DFA.

Hays has more major league credibility. The Padres signed him to hit lefties and cover a corner-outfield spot. His career .816 OPS against left-handed pitching sold that role.

We know where Andújar fits. He should return as soon as his wrist and rehab work allow. Hays, Harris and Taylor can spend September proving which combination deserves to remain around him.

Andújar’s return is good news with a bill attached. The Padres must pay it with a decision about the bench. The most useful players stay. Everybody else is based on performance.

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