Padres’ postseason roster seems 'likely' to include recently promoted secret weapon

For the most part, the San Diego Padres' playoff roster decisions are going to be about optimization based on matchups. Most of their roster is pretty well set, and while they will have to probably make some tough decisions as to which starters to carry in the early playoff rounds, their depth in general is sufficient to make a run.

However, the team does seem to have something up their sleeves now that they have been eliminated from the NL West race after losing to the Dodgers on Thursday.

According to a report from Kevin Acee at the San Diego Union-Tribune, it sounds like the Padres will carry Brandon Lockridge on their postseason roster.

At first glance, including Lockridge on the postseason roster looks a little odd. Ever since the Padres called Lockridge up earlier this month, he has made just nine appearances (five plate appearances). Heck, he only has one hit to his name. Those numbers and usage don't exactly scream "playoff weapon." However, the Padres traded for Lockridge for a reason and that is about to become abundantly clear.

Brandon Lockridge could be a sneaky good addition to Padres' playoff roster

We have seen teams carry dedicated pinch-runners/defensive replacements on playoff rosters in the past. In fact, Terrance Gore has three World Series rings based solely on his ability to sprint around the bases.

In Lockridge, the Padres have that exact kind of guy. Again, the vast majority of playing time is going to go to San Diego's usual workhorses, so it isn't like they need an extended bench of guys who can start games. What they could make use of, however, is someone they can substitute in a late and close situation where they need to upgrade defensively or add speed to the base paths. Lockridge may only make a couple appearances all postseason long, but they will all likely come in important spots.

Will the Padres' gamble with Lockridge pay off? Only time will tell. The one thing we know for certain that if he is in the game, Lockridge will almost certainly be ready to run like his hair is on fire.

More Padres News from Friars on Base