SAN DIEGO -- The Padres made four September callups Friday as rosters expanded across the league. Righty reliever Kevin Quackenbush was not among them. In fact, in what qualified as a minor roster surprise, Quackenbush was designated for assignment instead.
The move cleared room on the 40-man squad for Jordan Lyles to have his contract selected from Triple-A El Paso. Lyles, who signed a Minors deal with the Padres last month, will start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Dodgers.
"He was throwing the ball well at the end in El Paso," said Padres manager Andy Green. "We definitely need somebody to come up here and take down some innings for us and give us an opportunity to win games, and he fits that description perfectly."
• Padres 40-man roster
As expected, the club also activated shortstop Erick Aybar from the disabled list. Lefty reliever Kyle McGrath and righty reliever Jose Valdez were recalled from Triple-A El Paso as well.
Beginning Sept. 1, clubs can recall any players on their 40-man squad. The Padres expect more to come as the month continues -- specifically after El Paso's season ends. The Chihuahuas entered Friday tied for the division lead with four games to play.
Quackenbush posted a 7.86 ERA this season in 20 appearances for the big league club. He served as their most frequent stopgap solution, whenever the 'pen found itself short-handed. Quackenbush spent five separate stints with the Padres this year.
"It's tough," Green said. "Quack's loved here. It was about the need for a roster spot and the belief that some of these other guys that are coming are going to assume that opportunity for a relief role here."
Quackenbush was set to run out of options next season. Now, the Padres have seven days to either reinstate Quackenbush, trade him, release him or place him on waivers.
Lyles, meanwhile, spent the first half of the season with the Rockies where he notched a 6.94 ERA in 33 appearances. He was designated on July 29 and signed with the Padres a week later.
In five starts for El Paso, Lyles posted a 4.50 ERA. He has plenty of experience in the 'pen as well, and his role following Saturday's start remains undefined.
"I'm comfortable with any role," Lyles said. "I've done it all."
Aybar hadn't played a game since July 21, when he fouled a ball off his left foot and broke a bone. At the time, there were questions as to whether Aybar would be able to return this season. But his recovery went smoothly, and he returned two or three weeks ahead of schedule.
Rounding out the callups, McGrath and Valdez will serve as critical bullpen depth. Their presence was close to a necessity, as the Padres have 11 games in the next 10 days, including Saturday's twinbill.
McGrath debuted July 30 and allowed four runs over 6 2/3 innings in his first big league stint. Valdez, a May waiver claim from the Angels, has posted a 6.00 ERA in eight appearances for the Padres.