Padres News: Bob Melvin Explains Return of Brett Sullivan

Some pregame roster movement for the Friars.

The Padres announced a roster move before Saturday's game vs the Rangers with the return of backup catcher Brett Sullivan. In a corresponding move, outfielder Taylor Kohlwey was optioned to Triple-A.

The #Padres have recalled C Brett Sullivan from Triple-A El Paso and optioned OF Taylor Kohlwey to El Paso.

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 29, 2023

Sullivan is back again and before the game, manager Bob Melvin explained the calculus behind the move.

"Well, we've been using two catchers in the lineup here on certain nights, so we want to be able to have a little protection there. It does give us some versatility as he plays the outfield some. So, we'll see where the reps come but it's just as far as having insurance with both our other catchers in the lineup."

Sullivan hasn't hit much with the Padres this season but he has offered up a bit of versatility, as Melvin alluded to. In 21 games at the big league level, the 29 year old is hitting just .170. At Triple-A, he's fared much better hitting .329 with a .939 OPS in 44 games.

Since Luis Campusano returned off the injured list, the Padres are playing both him and slugging backstop Gary Sanchez together in the same lineup with the duo alternating between catching duties and at DH.

Kohlwey has just 2 hits in 13 at-bats with San Diego this season.