Padres News: Friars Swing Trade with Rays for Veteran Outfielder

The Padres kick off trade deadline season with a move on Friday.

The Padres are the first team to make a schmedium-sized splash coming out of the break it seems. According to a report by FanSided's Robert Murray, the Friars are acquiring veteran outfielder Ben Gamel in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The San Diego Padres are acquiring outfielder Ben Gamel in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, according to sources familiar with the deal.

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 14, 2023

Gamel has been stuck at the Triple-A level for the Rays this season but has hit well for the Durham Bulls. In 59 games, he's hitting .276/.402/.463 with 8 home runs and 31 RBI. Over parts of 7 seasons at the big league level, the 30-year-old has had mixed success at the plate. 

In 679 games with the Yankees, Mariners, Brewers, Guardians, and Pirates, Gamel owns a career .253/.333/.385 triple slash line with 40 homers and 198 RBI.

The veteran adds a little more versatility to the bench for Bob Melvin, something the club was looking for after releasing DH Nelson Cruz last week. Gamel does add yet another left-handed bat to the lineup, but it is what it is for now. 

Gamel will join Juan Soto, Trent Grisham, and Fernando Tatis Jr as the top outfield options for the Padres for now.

Update

The Padres are sending Gamel to Triple-A El Paso instead of calling him up to the big leagues. SDUT's Kevin Acee reported the assignment.