SEATTLE — With organizational depth at a crucial position still tenuous, the Padres appear as if they will continue carrying three catchers for the foreseeable future. Including Tuesday's contest at Seattle, the trio of primary starter Derek Norris, backup Christian Bethancourt and recent addition Hector Sanchez has been in place since May 13, a stretch of 17 games.
Meanwhile, Triple-A catcher Austin Hedges is projected to be about a week away from taking full batting practice. Hedges, the fourth backstop on the 40-man roster, underwent surgery April 27 to remove a fractured hamate bone from his left hand.