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

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.