PHOENIX -- For the first time in 2018, the Padres' Rule 5 efforts from a year ago are paying dividends.
Before Sunday's game against Arizona, San Diego recalled right-hander Miguel Diaz from Double-A San Antonio. Kazuhisa Makita, who threw 61 pitches in Saturday's loss, was optioned to Triple-A.
Diaz was the freshest Minor League arm currently on the 40-man roster. Given the beleaguered state of the Padres' bullpen, that's the biggest reason for his callup.
But they're also eager to see what Diaz has to offer with a little Minor League seasoning under his belt.