Dustin Harris’ 2026 season has been a whirlwind: brief major league stints with two organizations, a return to minor league free agency, and yet another change of club. Now, the Padres are giving the outfielder his next shot, selecting his contract from Triple-A El Paso after nearly two months of standout production in the Pacific Coast League.
San Diego optioned infielder Sung-Mun Song to El Paso to clear a spot on the active roster. To make room for Harris on the 40-man, right-hander Lucas Giolito was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Before the official announcement, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Harris was already in the clubhouse while Song packed up to leave.
Harris opened the year with the White Sox on a minor league deal. Chicago called him up in April, but he was designated for assignment after just over a week. The Astros claimed him off waivers, only to DFA him again a little more than two weeks later.
He chose free agency and rejoined the White Sox on another minor league contract. At the start of July, Harris opted out and signed with San Diego, launching the latest chapter in a season defined by constant movement.
His bat forced the Padres’ hand. Over 29 games with El Paso, Harris racked up 135 plate appearances and slashed .350/.422/.617 with six home runs. He walked at a 10.4% clip and struck out just 8.9% of the time.
A .353 BABIP and El Paso’s hitter-friendly environment helped boost those numbers, but Harris’ production still rated 48% above league average by wRC+. After nearly two months in Triple-A, he earned the call.
Minor league success has opened major league doors for Harris before, but he’s yet to stick. Across 102 career big league plate appearances, he owns a .225/.307/.371 line.
The Padres’ outfield is set with Fernando Tatis Jr. in right, Jackson Merrill in center, and Luis Rengifo in left. Gavin Sheets has handled most of the designated hitter duties. Harris joins Austin Hays and Jace Bowen as reserve outfielders.
With Song headed back to Triple-A, San Diego is left without a traditional bench infielder. Rengifo, who has plenty of infield experience, could see more time there if needed. Harris gives the Padres another option behind their regular outfield trio.
Giolito’s move to the 60-day IL is a paperwork formality, not a setback. He landed on the 15-day IL with elbow inflammation on June 22 and has already missed more than 60 days, so he’s eligible to return at any time. He has yet to begin a rehab assignment.
For Harris, this call-up is another shot in a season that’s already taken him from the White Sox to the Astros, back to Chicago, and now to San Diego. His torrid stretch in El Paso has earned him a place on the Padres’ active roster.
