The Padres have selected the contract of catcher Webster Rivas, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune was among those to report. In other moves, the team recalled reliever Nick Ramirez and optioned infielder/outfielder Brian O’Grady.
Rivas is joining the Padres in the wake of Thursday’s injury list placement of Austin Nola, who has joined Victor Caratini to comprise the team’s top two backstops this season. It’s a dream opportunity for Rivas, a 30-year-old who has never played in the majors. He’ll start the Padres’ game against the Astros on Friday, per Acee.
Rivas has spent his entire minor league career with Southern California organizations, having previously played with the Dodgers and Angels since debuting in 2010. The Dominican Republic native has appeared in Triple-A ball in four different seasons, including the current campaign, and batted .293/.394/.470 with six home runs in 194 trips to the plate at that level.
