San Diego Padres sign Alex Verdugo to a minor league deal, bolstering outfield depth.

The San Diego Padres have reached a minor league agreement with veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo, and he is set to report to the club's minor league training camp this week.

Verdugo, who will turn 30 in May, appeared in 56 games for the Atlanta Braves last year, batting .239 with a .585 OPS. Over nine seasons with the Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, and Braves, the left-handed outfielder has a career .270/.326/.406 slash line and has hit 70 home runs.

For the Padres, this is a low-risk depth addition. Their major league roster currently has no opening in the corner outfield spots barring injuries. However, if Verdugo performs well in the minors, he could enter the competition should the team need reinforcements due to injuries.

Verdugo was drafted by the Dodgers in 2014 and was one of the key pieces sent to the Boston Red Sox in the trade for Mookie Betts before the 2020 season. He was traded from the Red Sox to the Yankees before the 2024 season and started every playoff game for New York during their World Series run that October. Verdugo signed with the Braves before the 2025 season but was released in July after struggling in the first half.

Hoeing pauses throwing due to elbow discomfort

Right-handed pitcher Bryan Hoeing felt discomfort in his right elbow during a live batting practice session last week and has currently stopped throwing.

"He felt something, and again we don't believe it's serious, but we have to be cautious, get it checked, and make a proper evaluation," said pitching coach Ruben Niebla.

This is another disappointing setback for Hoeing. He just endured an injury-plagued 2025 season, missing the first few months with a right shoulder strain and never fully regaining the form he showed late in the 2024 season after being acquired by San Diego from the Marlins at the trade deadline alongside Tanner Scott.

The Padres have not provided a timeline for Hoeing's return, and it is unlikely he will be on the Opening Day roster. Nevertheless, the Padres already possess one of the deepest bullpens in the league, and Hoeing was already on the fringe of the roster competition.

Across parts of four major league seasons, Hoeing has a 4.72 ERA. He posted an impressive 1.99 ERA in 25 appearances for the Padres, but the issue is he simply didn't pitch enough for San Diego.

Márquez's spring training debut has ups and downs

Right-hander Germán Márquez made his spring training debut today in the Padres' 9-1 loss to the Giants, allowing four hits and three runs in the first inning. He settled down in the second inning with a 1-2-3 frame, recording two strikeouts, and completed two innings without issuing a walk.

"He threw a lot of strikes, but had some trouble putting hitters away," said manager Craig Stammen. "In Arizona, it's tough to get a feel for your breaking balls in an outing like this. But I believe he'll be better next time. He showed aggressiveness in the zone and will improve as spring training progresses."

Márquez is one of several candidates competing for a spot in San Diego's rotation, with likely only one opening available. Marco Gonzales, who pitched three innings in relief allowing two runs on Sunday, is also in the mix. Others competing include JP Sears, Walker Buehler, and, if healthy, Matt Waldron.