The Padres have designated 26-year old righty swinging catcher Luis Martinez for assignment. He played in 22 games for the Padres last year in his first taste of the majors and he was 12 for 59 (.203 avg, .614 OPS) with 7 runs scored, 1 homer, 10 RBIs and 1 stolen base. Martinez also played in 58 games in AAA-ball for the Padres last year and he was 64 for 198 (.323 avg, .813 OPS) with 24 runs scored, 1 homer, 28 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. The Padres needed Martinez’ roster spot for the new additions in the Matt Latos deal.

UPDATE: (12/22/2011) - The Padres have dealt Luis Martinez to the Texas Rangers for 24-year old righty reliever Ryan Kelly. Kelly pitched in 40 games (5 starts) in A-ball for the Rangers last year and he was 3-6 with 9 saves, a 3.95 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Kelly has now pitched in 121 games (16 starts) in his first five years in the minors and he is 9-13 with 20 saves, a 4.50 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP.