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Veteran Catcher Opts Out of Deal With Friars, Heads Back to Free Agency

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Padres
By Noel Sanchez | Last updated 5/18/23

The San Diego Padres just lost one of their most experienced catcher options in Pedro Severino as he has opted to head to free agency once again after strictly suiting up in the minor leagues this season.

Severino carved out two very solid stints during the first stretch of his professional career as he served as a solid piece for both the Washington Nationals and the Baltimore Orioles. However, batting struggles and injuries led to him only seeing action in eight major league games with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2022 and posted a poor slash line of .222/.333/.333.

Fast-forward to this season and Severino joined the Padres thanks a deal signed over the winter. He was immediately sent to play for AAA El Paso and hoped that he would get his name called, especially amidst a rough stretch for SD's main catchers.

However, it looks like the 29-year-old got tired of waiting and will now look for a bigger role elsewhere. The news was first shared by The San Diego-Union Tribune's Kevin Acee.

Catcher Pedro Severino has been released. He had an .876 OPS in 18 games with @epchihuahuas but had only played in four games since April 25.

(Via Kevin Acee)

I think it would have been great for Severino to have received an opportunity with the main roster when he was still under contract, especially when news broke that Luis Campusano would be out for extended time after his thumb surgery.

But it looks like SD wanted to roll with someone they were more familiar with in Breet Sullivan. Both he and Austin Nola have struggled in 2023 as their batting averages sit below .180.

Nonetheless, we wish Severino the best on his next journey!

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Padres and was syndicated with permission.

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