Miguel

Ojeda

The backup catcher, who had been out of action for the past two weeks with a wrist contusion, will be eligible for the playoffs. The Padres will also recall outfielder Kerry Robinson from Triple-A Portland today.

Ojeda will compete with Wiki Gonzalez for a job as Ramon Hernandez’s backup.

Manager Bruce Bochy has said Ojeda will get increased playing time, which should benefit both Ojeda and the regular, Gary Bennett, whom Bochy said he’s been ''running into the ground.’'

Ojeda, acquired from the Padres for Miguel Olivo at the deadline, will probably take over as Seattle’s third catcher next month.

Ojeda, who struggled with the Padres before being acquired for Miguel Olivo, had hit .333 with three homers in nine games for Tacoma. He’ll split time with Yorvit Torrealba, probably for the rest of the season.

This lends credence to the rumors that the Rangers are shopping Rod Barajas, perhaps in a package with Brad Wilkerson. If the Rangers trade Barajas, they could make Gerald Laird their starting catcher (as he should be anyway) and Ojeda the backup. If not, well, this is one deal that will be forgotten by Tuesday.

Ojeda was the latest of about a dozen Rockies players who have been sick since leaving San Francisco on Sunday. He could return Thursday.

Ojeda was hitting .230/.305/.351 with 11 RBI in 74 at-bats. The Rockies could part with him if another team wants a backup catcher later on.

It should be clear by now that neither Ojeda nor Bennett are long-term solutions for the Padres. They’ll be looking for a catcher again this winter.

And the Padres again have a backup for Ramon Hernandez. Once Humberto Quintero is eligible to be recalled, they’ll carry three catchers.