Padres News: Veteran Outfielder Elects Free Agency After Friars DFA

The Padres announce a transaction.

A little bit of roster upkeep for the Padres late on Saturday night. According to MLB.com, outfielder Ben Gamel has elected free agency and will test the open market with just a few weeks left in the season. Gamel, who was designated for assignment on Thursday, cleared waivers and elected to become a free agent.

Gamel was DFA'd when Padres picked up RHP Glenn Otto on waivers from the Rangers this week.

A veteran of 8 MLB seasons, Gamel got into 6 games with the Padres, collecting 3 hits in 15 at-bats (.200). He fared much better at Triple-A El Paso, hitting .314 with an OPS north of 1.000.

With the return of fan favorite Jurickson Profar, Gamel just did not make sense on the roster for San Diego as the club looks for a spark to a late season miracle. Profar did his part on Saturday night, sparking a 4 run fourth inning

Following the loss in Houston, the Friars sit 8 games out of a Wild Card spot.