Padres Expected to Activate Gavin Sheets
The slugger has been sidelined since late August with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Baseball
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The San Diego Padres expect to activate Gavin Sheets from the injured list following his recovery from plantar fasciitis. Sheets is projected to contribute as a designated hitter and pinch-hitter as the team prepares for the postseason.
Why it matters
Getting Sheets back provides a key depth piece for the Padres as they finalize their roster for the playoff push. His return adds flexibility to the lineup, offering a veteran bat to use in high-leverage pinch-hitting situations.
Gavin Sheets posted a .861 OPS in May 2026 before his season was interrupted by a foot injury in late August. He recently completed live batting practice and Trajekt pitching simulations in Peoria to regain game speed.
The players
Gavin Sheets
Gavin Sheets is a professional baseball player known for his power-hitting capabilities in the designated hitter role.
Casey Mize
Casey Mize is a starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres who has faced multiple injury setbacks during the current season.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball franchise competing in the National League West division.
Miguel Andujar
Miguel Andujar is a professional baseball player currently undergoing a recovery process for a wrist injury.
The details
Sheets was sidelined after suffering worsening plantar fasciitis while running the bases in Tampa Bay, necessitating the use of a walking boot and brace. Meanwhile, Casey Mize prepares for his final regular-season start against the Diamondbacks, looking to improve upon a 6.64 ERA recorded over nine starts.
Timeline
April 2026 saw Gavin Sheets record a .751 OPS.
May 2026 saw Gavin Sheets record an .861 OPS.
Late August 2026 marked when Sheets injured his foot in Tampa Bay.
September 24, 2026 was when Sheets joined the Padres at Dodger Stadium.
September 25, 2026 serves as the date for Casey Mize’s final regular-season start.
Season Trajectory
The activation of Sheets is a strategic move to optimize the bench for the upcoming playoffs as the Padres secure their position as the No. 4 seed. Ensuring the roster is at full health remains the team's primary focus as they prepare for the first round of the postseason.
Sheets provides a left-handed power option off the bench that improves the team's pinch-hitting efficiency for the postseason. Fantasy managers should monitor his usage, as he is primarily expected to serve in a designated hitter capacity upon his return.
The takeaway
Maintaining roster depth through injury recovery is essential for any team aiming for a deep playoff run. Monitoring minor league rehab progress and simulator results offers the best insight into when a player is truly ready for high-intensity game action.
Further reading
For more news on the roster, visit the Baseball section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Diego Union-Tribune.
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