Padres welcome back Myers from injured list

May 23rd, 2021

SAN DIEGO -- Now, let's see what they can do at full strength.

The Padres, winners of eight straight and owners of the best record in baseball entering play Sunday, reinstated from the injured list ahead of their series finale against the Mariners. He started in right field and batted sixth.

In total, five Padres landed on the injured list two weeks ago for COVID-19 related reasons. With Myers back in the fold after he'd tested positive on May 11, all five have now returned. San Diego went 10-1 in the interim.

All winter, the Padres touted their deep roster, and that depth was certainly tested over the past two weeks.

Meanwhile, Myers, who has battled right knee tendinitis all season, might reap some benefits from his time spent on the IL.

To clear space for Myers on the roster, the Padres optioned outfielder Brian O'Grady to Triple-A El Paso. And right-hander Keone Kela, who underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

The Padres aren't quite back to full strength just yet. Their 26-man roster is, but Manny Machado missed his third straight game as he battles right shoulder inflammation, while Trent Grisham missed his second straight with a heel bruise. Still, neither has landed on the IL, and both were available off the bench for Sunday's game.