Ellis' playing time will take a hit following the promotion of catching prospect Francisco Mejia.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres are going to split starts behind the dish between Austin Hedges and Mejia -- who homered twice Thursday -- pushing Ellis to third on the catching depth chart, according to MLB.com's AJ Cassavell. The veteran backstop has been serviceable when called upon this season (.291/.389/.369 in 56 games), but the Padres understandably want to give their younger options playing time over the final month with nothing left to play for.

Ellis went 3-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in Saturday's 5-3 loss to San Francisco.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis delivered his first three-hit performance of the season, and now owns a healthy .337/.426/.430 over 31 games. The 37-year-old has been solid in a timeshare with Raffy Lopez while Austin Hedges (elbow) has been sidelined, but the latter is expected to be activated from the disabled list prior to Sunday's series finale against the Giants. Ellis' career-best batting average and lengthy major-league experience should allow him to stick on the roster, but his playing time will likely take a significant hit following Hedges' return.

Ellis went 2-for-4 with his first home run of the 2018 season in Saturday's win over the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis got the nod behind the dish against the left-handed Alex Wood. The veteran backstop's big day at the plate upped his season line to .315/.406/.444 in 65 plate appearances. Ellis has been on the short side of a platoon with Raffy Lopez, but the latter is scuffling at the plate, so the 37-year-old could start to see more starts until Austin Hedges (concussion) returns from the disabled list.

Ellis started and went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run scored in Wednesday's loss to the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis got the start Wednesday after the recently-recalled Raffy Lopez started Tuesday's contest. It appears that the two backstops will split starting duties while Austin Hedges (elbow) mends on the disabled list. The 37-year-old is slashing .214/.343/.214 in 36 plate appearances this year.

Ellis started behind the dish and went 2-for-4 in Sunday's 14-2 loss to the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

It was the veteran's first multi-hit performance in 29 plate appearances this season. Austin Hedges is the clear-cut starter in San Diego, limiting Ellis to starts on traditional rest days for catchers.

Ellis is starting at catcher and hitting hitting eighth Monday night against the Rockies, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis was a late addition to the lineup after Austin Hedges was scratched with back discomfort. This will mark the first start of the season for Ellis, who hit .210/.298/.371 over 51 games for the Marlins in 2017.

Ellis had his contract purchased by the Padres on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

With Austin Hedges locked in as the Padres' primary backstop, Ellis and Raffy Lopez will split duties as the backup. The veteran is better known as a defensive catcher, hitting no better than .238 in any of his previous five seasons, and his limited opportunities will leave him off the fantasy radar.

Ellis is expected to make the Padres' Opening Day roster as a backup catcher, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since Ellis is attending spring training as a non-roster invitee, the Padres would need to clear a spot for him on the 40-man roster, but that shouldn't prove difficult with Alex Dickerson (elbow) and Allen Cordoba (severe concussion) both looking like candidates for the 60-day disabled list. With Austin Hedges locked in as the Padres' primary backstop, Ellis likely wouldn't receive more than a couple starts most weeks and would offer nearly all his value on the defensive end after batting no better than .238 in any of his past five seasons in the big leagues.

Ellis signed a minor-league contract with the Padres on Wednesday, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Austin Hedges locked in as the team's starter behind the dish, Ellis will compete with Rocky Gale and Raffy Lopez for the backup gig. While the 36-year-old is easily the most experienced catcher of the bunch, he's coming off a season during which he hit a lowly .210/.298/.371 in 51 games for the Marlins.

Ellis went 2-for-4 with a double, a two-run home run, three RBI and two runs during Wednesday's loss to Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Ellis has played sparingly this season and owns a pedestrian .203/.290/.370 slash line for the campaign. His big outing Wednesday doesn't change his status as a desperation fantasy option in the majority of settings.