Padres adding prospect Jase Bowen to outfield

PHILADELPHIA - As part of their ongoing search for something to spark their offense, the Padres are calling up outfielder Jase Bowen.

His promotion has seemed imminent for a couple weeks, and the team decided now is the time to give Bowen a try.

The 25-year-old right-handed hitter is batting .292 with a .962 OPS in Triple-A. He has 13 home runs, 11 doubles and five triples in 195 at-bats.

Bowen, who signed with the Padres in the offseason, will be making his MLB debut whenever he plays.

The plan for how often he plays is unclear, but the Padres value Bowen's power potential, speed and athleticism in the field.

The team has not announced the move, and it is not known who Bowen will replace on the roster.

The most likely move appears to be designating extra outfielder Bryce Johnson for assignment. That would also clear a 40-man roster spot.

The Padres could move pitcher Nick Pivetta to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster. But that is something they will almost certainly have to do in the coming days to make room for pitcher Jhony Brito, whose rehab assignment is almost up.

Bowen was drafted in the 11th round by the Pirates in 2019 and signed a bonus well over his draft slot. He had committed to play wide receiver at Michigan State.

The primary asset Bowen provides over Johnson is power, which means he could be a more attractive option as a pinch-hitter.

Johnson, who was on the opening-day roster after spending parts of the previous two seasons with the Padres, has not pinch-hit since April 17. He has primarily been used as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement and is hitting .188 with a .507 OPS in 36 plate appearances this season.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 11:55 AM.