Padres News: Bob Melvin Views Gary Sanchez as 'Incremental Upgrade' at Catcher Position

A change was needed without a doubt!

A lot of stock was invested into Austin Nola by the San Diego Padres and it was pretty disappointing to see him become his own worst enemy in these first two months of the MLB season. He has been used as a scape goat as of late and the Padres have been losing for many reasons but he was looking rough for a long stretch.

Once the New York Mets made Gary Sanchez available a few days ago, San Diego's eyes lit up and they immediately welcomed him in. This was likely the first of a couple roster changes on the way for the Friars and one of the easier ones for them but it's a start.

Team manager Bob Melvin already loves what he's seen from Sanchez in his short time with the clubhouse and knew he would be a Padre once he got released.

Gary Sanchez has his first hit with Padres (call overturned)

Anyone else find themselves rooting for him? pic.twitter.com/4PyZG15GIR

— MD (@mike_daddino) May 31, 2023

“It’s come to the point in time in the season where you’re trying to incrementally upgrade,” Melvin said yesterday afternoon. “I know he’s been with a few teams here recently. But he does have a history of performance. … We’re hoping to give him a good opportunity and give him an opportunity to upgrade the position for us a little bit.”

(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)

The Friars are in the midst of a series against the Miami Marlins and then will have to face off against the Chicago Cubs. They are still waiting on Manny Machado to return from his hairline fracture

There was not a more perfect time for Sanchez to sign with the squad and he was very excited to do so.

“Whatever the team needs from me, that’s what I’m here to do,” Sanchez said through interpreter Danny Sanchez. “Whatever role that looks like, if my name is in the lineup, I’ll be ready to go. And if not, then however I can contribute.”

(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)