Padres prospects among non-roster invitees

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres unveiled their full list of 28 non-roster invites to Spring Training on Friday, a mix of veterans competing for bench roles and youngsters looking to make an impression.
Infielder Luis Urias, the club's No. 11 prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com, and pitching prospects Dinelson Lamet, Michael Kelly and Phil Maton are among the invitees. None are expected to make the club out of camp, but all four will get to showcase their talents in front of the big league staff. Don't be surprised if they make an impact with the Padres before the 2017 season is done.
Meanwhile, several invitees could feasibly compete for roster spots, specifically at shortstop. Erick Aybar, who signed a Minors deal earlier in the week, will compete with Luis Sardiñas, while Minor League journeyman Dusty Coleman also has a chance to make the roster as a backup.
In the outfield, one spot could be available if the Padres opt to give No. 2 prospect Manuel Margot more seasoning at Triple-A. Jabari Blash and Collin Cowgill are non-roster players in that mix. In parts of six seasons in the big leagues, Cowgill has recorded only 759 plate appearances, posting a .234/.297/.329 slash line.

Here is the full list of invitees:
Pitchers:Logan Bawcom, Jon Edwards, Carlos Fisher, Erik Johnson, Jason Jester, Kelly, Lamet, Maton, Kyle McGrath, Aroni Nina, Andre Rienza, Craig Stammen, Brad Wieck
None of the invitees will compete for a rotation job, but there's at least one bullpen spot up for grabs -- and possibly two. Edwards is a candidate, if he's put his injury troubles behind him. So is Stammen, who posted a 3.91 ERA in seven seasons with the Nationals.
Catchers:Tony Cruz, Rocky Gale, Stephen McGee, Héctor Sánchez

With Austin Hedges, Christian Bethancourt and Rule 5 Draft pick Luis Torrens on board, it's very unlikely that any of the catching invites break camp with the club. But in signing Cruz and re-signing Sanchez, the Padres found a pair of experienced depth options.
Infielders: Aybar, Coleman, Jose Pirela, Jamie Romak, Urias, Christian Villanueva, Brett Wallace

Aside from shortstop, the club doesn't have any roster openings in the infield. And even at short, it's an uphill battle for Aybar and Coleman. Sardinas is virtually a lock, and Rule 5 selection Allen Córdoba could potentially serve as his backup.

Outfielders: Blash, Nick Buss, Cowgill, Rafael Ortega

If rookies Margot and Hunter Renfroe open the season on the big league roster, there doesn't seem to be space for any of the non-roster invitees. But if the Padres choose to keep Margot at Triple-A for a month or two (which would earn them an extra year of team control) Cowgill might be the best option, because of his experience in center.