2 San Diego Padres players who could make surprise returns in September, 1 who won't

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Rosters are set to expand from 26 to 28 men starting in September. For a team like the San Diego Padres who are still hanging on to a glimmer of hope for 2023, they could use any depth available to them at this point.

In a dream world, Padres fans might be able to look forward to the debut of top prospects like Ethan Salas, Dylan Lesko or Jackson Merrill next month. But while that isn't realistic by any stretch, here are two players we could see back in San Diego when rosters expand, and one who will likely be left behind.

San Diego Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon could make a surprise return in September

An injury-riddled season that has produced just eight big-league outings in 2023, lefty Adrian Morejon is on the mend as he prepares for a late-season comeback.

Morejon is currently on an rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso, and with a 3.14 ERA in 11 games for the Chihuahuas, his return to the Padres could be imminent.

That's somewhat of a miracle for the southpaw given that he started 2023 on the shelf with elbow problems, then followed that bout up with knee inflammation after a brief season debut right after the All-Star break.

If Morejon can keep his stats where they are, as well as demonstrate his continued progress through rehabilitation, San Diego may be calling his name when rosters expand.

Aug 4, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Drew Pomeranz (15) throws a / D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres pitcher Drew Pomeranz could make a surprise return in September

Remember old friend Drew Pomeranz? If you don't, we can't exactly blame you. He hasn't pitched since 2021, after all.

You may recall that back in May, we wrote an article detailing the latest setback in Pomeranz' recovery. Well as it turns out, the southpaw could indeed be "pitching meaningful innings" next month if his rehab continues to track as expected.

Of course, this is far from guaranteed to occur, though it's important to note that Pomeranz has resumed his throwing program as of late July, per the San Diego Union-Tribune and says he's determined to do everything in his power to get back out there for the Padres.

When healthy, and that's a major condition, Pomeranz can be a lethal lefty weapon out of the bullpen who remains under contract for San Diego. The Padres may decide to ease the veteran back into game action should he return to the big leagues in September, but nonetheless, a comeback this season would represent an ultimate triumph for Pomeranz.

Jun 15, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola (26) watches his / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Padres' catcher Austin Nola isn't likely to return to the big league club in September

2023 hasn't been Austin Nola's year, to put it succintly.

The veteran catcher had a rough go of it earlier this season in San Diego, as he posted a meager .452 OPS in 130 at-bats before being DFA'd in July. Nola's fate was likely sealed for good after Gary Sanchez firmly established himself as the primary catcher for the Padres, a role he continues to occupy.

Sanchez's backup is youngster Luis Campusano, meaning unless San Diego intends to carry three catchers in September, Nola will probably spend the rest of 2023 in Triple-A. And not for no reason: he's scuffling in El Paso, with a horrendous .489 OPS since he reported back there. In the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, no less? That won't fly.

It's a sad reality for Austin Nola, who unfortunately isn't the player A.J. Preller thought he was trading for back in 2020.

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2 San Diego Padres players who could make surprise returns when rosters expand in September, 1 who won't

San Diego Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon could make a surprise return in September

San Diego Padres pitcher Drew Pomeranz could make a surprise return in September

San Diego Padres' catcher Austin Nola isn't likely to return to the big league club in September

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