Padres’ Ethan Salas turns historic two-homer game into compelling postseason roster case

It was only a matter of time before the Padres’ catching room got a little more uncomfortable. Ethan Salas started rearranging the pecking order at Coors Field. Luis Campusano and Freddy Fermin are established major leaguers. Both bat right-handed. Salas is 20 years old, bats from the left side and entered Wednesday with one major league hit. Then he went deep…twice.

Salas launched the first two home runs of his career during San Diego’s 9-3 win over Colorado, becoming the youngest catcher in MLB history to produce a multi-homer game. He also became the youngest Padres player at any position to homer twice in a game.

Both home runs came against right-handed pitching. Salas drove a Mason Adams fastball 425 feet to center before lifting another fastball from Nick Frasso over the right-field wall.

We know the demand that comes with playoff rosters. Every player, including those on the bench, needs a purpose beyond just being available. Salas can start against a right-handed pitcher, pinch-hit for Campusano or Fermin and remain behind the plate. Craig Stammen would gain a left-handed matchup option without surrendering the catching position or draining flexibility from the rest of his bench. Neither of the Padres’ other catchers can offer that exact combination.

Ethan Salas gives Padres a left-handed postseason weapon behind the plate

Salas also strengthened his case before hitting either home run. Robbie Ray labored through the first inning and appeared to walk Troy Johnston with two outs. Salas challenged the call, the pitch was ruled a strike and the inning ended. Ray pointed toward his young catcher and proceeded to retire 10 consecutive batters.

Two home runs and a successful challenge may have changed the trajectory for Salas as the season comes to a close.

The Padres need confidence that a 20-year-old catcher can manage an important moment without looking overwhelmed by it. Salas trusted what he saw and helped Ray escape an inning that looked like it was beginning to unravel.

At the same time, we can keep the scales honest. Campusano and Fermin didn’t lose their standing because Salas had a big night in hitter-friendly confines. Still, postseason roster construction rewards defined skills. Salas has one the Padres’ catching room otherwise doesn’t have.

San Diego should give him a scheduled run of opportunities against right-handed pitching over the remainder of the playoff chase. He hasn’t secured a postseason roster spot yet. But he’s making it harder to dismiss.

The Padres promoted Salas because they believed he could help them reach the postseason and contribute once they got there. He has now done more than watch and learn. He directly helped them win a game that extended their advantage in the NL Wild Card race.

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