What the Padres want to see from this toolsy outfield call-up

With Jackson Merrill hitting the 7-day injured list following a concussion, the San Diego Padres turned to a name that’s more functional than flashy. Outfielder Bryce Johnson. A corresponding move sent backup catcher Luis Campusano to Triple-A El Paso, clearing the way for the 29-year-old outfielder to join the big-league roster.

So, what exactly do the Padres hope to see from Johnson? First, he’s certainly not being asked to carry the offense. He’s a stopgap, essentially a Swiss Army knife with legs. But that doesn’t mean he comes to the Padres without value. Johnson brings two standout tools to the table — speed and defense — that could make him an important part of the roster while Merrill recovers and the Padres navigate the tough matchups ahead.

Why the Padres gave the speedy outfielder another look

This season at Triple-A El Paso, Johnson has done exactly what you’d want from a fringe call-up candidate. He's slashed 303/.407/.458 with three home runs and 10 stolen bases. He’s a guy who’s doing damage in the ways he knows how — by working counts, putting pressure on defenses, and turning singles into manufactured runs with his legs. He’s always been a weapon on the bases, swiping 25–30 bags per season in the minors, and his outfield range remains above average.

But let’s not pretend that the upside is sky-high. Johnson is 29 and out of minor league options. His MLB track record (just a .177/.248/.226 slash in 124 plate appearances) paints the picture of a player who struggles to adjust to major-league velocity and sequencing. His power is modest, contact spotty, and his average exit velocity doesn’t inspire confidence that a late-career breakout is coming.

Still, the Padres aren’t looking for a breakout — they’re looking for a role player who can fill a lane. Johnson gives them a switch-hitting bench option who can defend late in games, pinch run, and offer lineup flexibility when matchups get tricky. If he can string together competitive at-bats and continue to cause havoc on the basepaths, he might just buy himself some additional runway in a crowded roster mix that needs solid outfielders.

But make no mistake — this is still likely a short-term audition. Johnson will need to show he can hit just enough to justify staying on a roster where every spot matters right now. Because once Merrill returns, and once the Padres get healthier, the clock starts ticking. With no minor-league options left, Johnson won’t just be demoted — he’d have to survive waivers.

For now, he’s got a shot. And for a toolsy role player in the back half of his twenties, that’s all he can ask for.