The San Diego Padres parted ways with two pitchers over the weekend, according to the organization’s transaction log on MiLB.com.
Right-hander Triston McKenzie and left-hander C.J. Widger were released on back-to-back days. McKenzie was let go from Triple-A El Paso, while Widger was released from the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps roster.
After signing a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres in December, 28-year-old right-hander Triston McKenzie was given an opportunity to revive his career within the organization.
McKenzie spent six seasons in the majors with the Cleveland Guardians, who selected him in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft. Once regarded as one of baseball’s top pitching prospects, he made 88 appearances, including 80 starts, for Cleveland. During that span, he posted a 21-29 record with a 4.07 ERA while striking out 462 batters across 442 innings.
His most recent stint in the majors came in 2025, when he struggled in a relief role, finishing with an 11.12 ERA in four appearances.
The Padres invited McKenzie to major league spring training, where he competed for a place in the club’s Opening Day rotation. However, he endured a difficult spring, recording a 9.95 ERA over 6.1 innings during Cactus League play. As a result, he was reassigned to minor league camp and began the regular season with Triple-A El Paso.
His performance failed to improve after the demotion. In 14 appearances, including three starts, for the El Paso Chihuahuas, McKenzie posted a staggering 15.98 ERA. Although he struck out 22 batters, persistent control issues plagued him, as he issued 40 walks in just 16.1 innings.
Following an outing on July 1 in which he surrendered two runs while retiring only one batter, the Padres elected to end his time in the organization by releasing him, making the former first-round pick a free agent once again.
Padres Release C.J. Widger
Left-hander C.J. Widger, 27, was released during his second stint with the San Diego Padres organization.
Widger originally joined the Padres following the 2024 season, but his first stay with the club was short-lived after he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the Rule 5 Draft just a month later. After the Giants released him, San Diego brought him back on a minor league contract in August 2025.
He closed out the 2025 campaign at the High-A level, where he posted a 7.20 ERA over 10 innings. Widger remained with High-A Fort Wayne throughout the 2026 season, but his struggles continued. In 22 innings of work, he recorded a 6.95 ERA while striking out 25 batters and issuing 20 walks.
The Texas Rangers originally selected Widger in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. During his professional career, he has spent time in four organizations—the Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Giants, and Padres—but never advanced beyond the High-A level.
