Infielder/outfielder Alex Dickerson was recalled from Triple-A El Paso on Monday before the Padres opened a seven-game homestand against the Colorado Rockies.
The Padres designated left-handed reliever Michael Kirkman for assignment to make room for Dickerson, who provides an extra left-handed bat off the bench.
With the switch-hitting Yangervis Solarte and left-handed hitting Cory Spangenberg on the disabled list, Dickerson provides some flexibility.
“A lot of times we’re facing some tough right-handed pitchers and we don’t have left-handed options,” Padres manager Andy Green said. “We’re clearly playing Brett Wallace out of position just to get another left-handed bat in the lineup.