Padres catching prospect Yasmani Grandal has been told he's getting the call. Yep, he's headed to The Show. "I'm just in shock," Grandal said (azstarnet.com). "I don't even know what to say right now. This is the one thing I've always been focused on."
Grandal, a 23-year-old Cuban-born switch-hitter, was held out of Thursday night's Triple-A Tuscon game and then informed after the game he was getting the call to join the Padres.
Through 34 games in Triple-A this season, Grandal is hitting .317/.421/.500 with 10 doubles, four homers, 23 RBI, 22 runs. This is his first call to the majors.
The Padres are obviously hoping Grandal beefs up the offense. The main starter behind the plate has been Nick Hundley, a 28-year-old who is hitting .169/.234/.282 in 159 plate appearances. John Baker (.235/.328/.333) has been the other option. Hundley was given a three-year contract extension this past offseason, but it's not a huge financial burden at $3 million per year.
Grandal came to the Padres system this past offseason from the Reds, along with Yonder Alonso, Edinson Volquez and Brad Boxberger, in the Mat Latos trade.
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