NEW YORK, N.Y. – Following a brief stint at the major league level in 2016, former Nova Southeastern star Carlos Asuaje will make his return to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, joining the club in New York for the series opener against the Mets.
 
San Diego had originally intended for catcher Hector Sanchez to return from the disabled list this week. However, Sanchez injured a hamstring in a rehab game for Triple-A El Paso, and decided instead to call up Asuaje In place of right-handed pitcher Jose Valdez, who was optioned back down to El Paso.
 
The No. 9 prospect in the San Diego system, Asuaje batted .208 in 25 plate appearances for the Padres down the stretch a year ago. Through 39 games this season for El Paso, the former 11^th round draft pick has hit .222 with one home run and 20 RBI's. He is expected to be used primarily as a backup infielder and a left-handed bat off the bench.
 
Asuaje and the Padres will face Matt Harvey and the Mets Tuesday night at 7:10 p.m. ET.