Padres balancing having three catchers on roster

MIAMI -- Carrying three catchers has created a unique challenge for Padres manager Bud Black -- finding playing time for all three to keep them game ready.

On Sunday, Yasmani Grandal made his third start of the young season. Rene Rivera has made two starts, catching Andrew Cashner both times. Nick Hundley has started one game.

"You'll see Nick in Cleveland," Black said of the team's upcoming three-game trip to play the Indians, which begins on Monday. "With three catchers, you're trying to do the best you can to keep them current."

Hundley got a hit Saturday and has three hits in six at-bats. Grandal is 2-for-5, but has already walked five times. Rivera is still looking for his first hit in four at-bats.

Grandal, now eight months removed from ACL surgery on his right knee, is not to the point where he's able to catch nine innings in consecutive games.

The Padres also opted to keep three catchers on the Opening Day roster for fear of losing Rivera, who was out of Minor League options and would have certainly been plucked from the waiver wire during the final week of Spring Training.

San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes said the team will not keep three catchers on the active roster all season.