On Sunday, the San Diego Padres selected veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed’s contract, giving him the opportunity to play for his fourth National League West team since 2023. To clear space on the 40-man roster, the Padres placed shortstop Mason McCoy on the 10-day injured list due to back inflammation. Additionally, right-hander Jhony Brito was recalled from Triple-A El Paso and moved to the 60-day IL with a strained right elbow, ending his season.
Ahmed, 34, played earlier this year for the San Francisco Giants (52 games) and Los Angeles Dodgers (17 games) after spending 888 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2014 to 2023. He was released by the Diamondbacks in September 2023, the Giants in July, and the Dodgers in August. A two-time Gold Glove winner (2018, 2019), Ahmed signed with the Padres on August 31, just in time to be eligible for the postseason roster. He had been training at the Padres’ complex in Peoria, Arizona.
“Anytime you join a team in contention, with a chance to play in October, it’s a lot of fun,” Ahmed said. “I had other opportunities after the Dodgers let me go, but I wanted to join a team with a shot at the playoffs. I’m glad to be here.”
Ahmed is batting .232 this season, with two home runs and 17 RBIs in 69 games. Over his career, he holds a .234 average with 72 home runs and 339 RBIs across 957 games.
McCoy, 29, has been sidelined since September 14, with his move retroactive to last Thursday. He has appeared in 19 games for the Padres this season, hitting 10-for-49. Over 25 career games with the Padres and Toronto Blue Jays (2023), he is 10-for-50 with three RBIs.
Brito, 26, pitched 43 2/3 innings in 26 relief appearances for the Padres this season, with a 1-2 record, 4.12 ERA, 10 walks, and 29 strikeouts.
