The Padres have officially called up catching prospect Austin Hedges from Triple-A El Paso and designated catcher Wil Nieves for assignment, the team announced Monday.
Hedges hit .343 with two home runs and 15 RBI in 67 at-bats in Triple-A. He has spent the first four-plus seasons of his career in the Padres' farm system and is considered the No. 4 prospect in the organization, according to Baseball America.
Manager Bud Black said Monday Hedges will make a start during their series against San Francisco.
Nieves was hitting just .077 with one home run and four RBI in 13 at-bats this season.