Alex Verdugo released; minor league promotions begin

The Alex Verdugo experiment ended for the San Diego Padres last week when the former major leaguer underwent surgery on his injured shoulder and was released by the Friars. He had been in Arizona for extended Spring Training and then began playing with the ACL Padres. The announcement this past week indicates the end of the 2026 season for Verdugo and his attempt to resurrect his career. Right-hander Triston McKenzie was sent to the developmental list from the El Paso Chihuahuas. McKenzie signed