Yasmani Grandal off DL in series of moves

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres continued to tidy up their roster Monday when they reinstated pitcher Casey Kelly and catcher Yasmani Grandal from the 60-day disabled list, while also making several procedural moves.

Also reinstated from the 60-day DL was pitcher Jason Marquis, who then declared for free agency. Infielder Ronny Cedeno and outfielder Mark Kotsay also declared for free agency.

In September, Kotsay declared his intent to retire following the season after playing parts of 17 seasons -- including two stints in San Diego -- in the big leagues.

Finally, the Padres announced that pitcher Tommy Layne -- who was designated for assignment a week ago -- has been outrighted to the team's Triple-A affiliate in El Paso.

Kelly and Grandal are each coming off major surgeries. For Kelly, he had reconstructive surgery on his right elbow on April 2, and he won't be ready when the 2014 season starts.

Kelly is regarded as the Padres' No. 3 top prospect, according to MLB.com.

Grandal had surgery to repair his right anterior cruciate ligament on Aug. 6. He said in September that he expects to be ready to take part in workouts during Spring Training.

"It's still pretty early, but all signs are positive," Friars general manager Josh Byrnes said last week.

The Padres liked what they saw -- particularly on defense -- from backup catcher Rene Rivera, who filed in after Grandal landed on the DL. San Diego still has club control of Rivera, and he could open the 2014 season as Nick Hundley's backup if Grandal isn't ready.

Marquis, 35, made 20 starts for the Padres, going 9-5 with a 4.05 ERA before being placed on the DL with a strained right elbow on July 21. He eventually needed Tommy John surgery in August. He told MLB.com in September that he's not yet willing to retire, and will attempt to pitch when healthy.

Cedeno, 30, proved to be more than merely an admirable fill-in after shortstop Everth Cabrera was suspended for the final 50 games of the season. Cedeno hit .268 in 38 games for the Padres.

The team could possibly resign Cedeno or look elsewhere for infield bench options.


(mlb.com)