The San Diego Padres optioned outfielder Brian O'Grady to Triple-A Tuesday. The move makes way for incoming second baseman/outfielder Adam Frazier, who was acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. Shuttling between the minors and majors, O'Grady has managed just 54 plate appearances with the Padres, smacking two homers while slashing .182/.302/.386. He'll return to El Paso where he's enjoyed some success with a 1.033 OPS, eight homers and three steals. A 29-year-old without a clear path to consistent big league opportunities, O'Grady can be omitted as a fantasy candidate.
San Diego Padres utility man Brian O'Grady came off the bench to smack a pinch-hit home run Sunday. It was his second of the season, and came off Miami Marlins relief pitcher David Hess in a 9-3 loss. O'Grady has only managed 44 at-bats this season, and with Adam Frazier (potentially among other) joining the team, opportunity may be even more difficult to come by going forward. He should be left on the waiver wire in all formats.
San Diego Padres outfielder Brian O'Grady went 2-for-4 with a homer, double and three RBI Monday against the Chicago Cubs. Called up from Triple-A prior to gametime, O'Grady started over a struggling Wil Myers in right field and provided an early spark, roping an offering from Cubs starter Adbert Alzolay over the wall for his first long ball of 2021. The 29-year-old journeyman has played sparingly shuttling between the Friars and El Paso and holds a modest .664 OPS over 38 plate appearances. If he earns more starts with this solid performance, he could emerge as a DFS punt for fantasy purposes.
Tucupita Marcano Beats Out Brian O'Grady In Roster Battle
The San Diego Padres announced infield prospect Tucupita Marcano made the Opening Day roster over outfielder Brian O'Grady. Marcano, the team's No. 6 prospect, was a long shot entering spring training but lit the Cactus League aflame, going 17-for-42 with six extra-base hits and a 1.098 OPS. The 21-year-old's reps in the outfield were apparently impressive enough to bypass O'Grady as a bench option. O'Grady, 28, had a decent spring with an .843 OPS and is likely the next man up if any injuries befall the Friars. With outfielder Trent Grisham (hamstring) on the mend, Marcano's MLB stint could be brief, but his dynasty stock should soar knowing the team has faith in his big league potential.
San Diego Padres outfielder Brian O'Grady continued his push to make the roster Sunday, collecting two knocks, including a triple, against the Los Angeles Angels. Potentially vying for the final bench spot with infielder/outfielder Jorge Mateo, O'Grady's spring resume now boasts a .954 OPS and two homers over 37 plate appearances. The 28-year-old has appeared in just 30 career big league games but compiled 28 homers and 20 steals at Triple-A in 2019. Even if he makes the squad, O'Grady is miles from fantasy relevance as a depth piece on a loaded roster.
The Tampa Bay Rays acquired first baseman/outfielder Brian O'Grady from the Reds on Wednesday in exchange for a player to be named and cash. In a corresponding move, first baseman Jesus Aguilar was designated for assignment. O'Grady, 27, hit .280 with 28 home runs, 77 RBI and 20 stolen bases with Triple-A Louisville, although he hit just .190 with two homers and three RBI in 28 games with the Reds. Aguilar had a breakout with Milwaukee in 2018 but hit only .261 with four long balls and 16 RBI in 37 games for Tampa. O'Grady is one to watch as a potential deep league sleeper if he gets substantial playing time at any point with the Rays.
