Wiki

Gonzalez

Gonzalez will work regularly with Oliver Perez, but manager Bruce Bochy said he doesn’t want to get tied into a personal catcher situation.

Bennett has started nine of the Padres’ 12 games at catcher. Gonzalez, who works regularly with Oliver Perez, will make his fourth start today.

Injuries prevented Gonzalez from seeing any game action this spring. If healthy, he’ll split time with Pat Borders behind the plate for Triple-A Tacoma.

''It’s a dogfight between Rivera and Gonzalez,’' Towers said. Of course, it’s not really. Gonzalez’s contract means he will either make the team or get traded. He’s still the best fantasy option among San Diego’s catchers, even though it looks like Gary Bennett will start on Opening Day.

Gonzalez had been hitting for the first time in a couple of years, batting .308/.333/.692 in 52 AB for Tacoma.

Gonzalez’s status is up in the air. The Padres already had been considering sending him down to Triple-A. They might place him on the disabled list instead.

Mike Rivera will open the season as Gary Bennett’s backup. Gonzalez will probably spend a couple of weeks on a rehab assignment before rejoining the Padres.

''Wiki going on the disabled list is no certainty after how he looked today,’' GM Kevin Towers said. If Gonzalez doesn’t go on the disabled list, either he or Mike Rivera will start the season with Triple-A Portland.

Gonzalez is no longer on the team’s 40-man roster and is thus unlikely to be recalled when rosters expand in September. Rene Rivera will probably be Seattle’s third catcher.

Gonzalez went 6-for-29 during his latest stint in the majors. He’ll be recalled when the Mariners go to three catchers in September.