Early last June, the Padres made the opening move of the 2016 trade season, shipping James Shields to the White Sox in a pre-draft exchange. It wound up being the first of six deals before the non-waiver deadline, each transaction going toward what has become a massive rebuilding project.

More than a year later, the objective remains the same, but this deadline figures to be more reserved. The Padres no longer have onerous contracts to shed. Their most obvious trade chip, left-hander Brad Hand, was claimed off waivers 15 months ago. The other options consist of more relievers and starting pitchers on one-year deals.

Sources say about 15 teams have expressed at least casual interest in Hand, but as the Padres opened the second half Friday, no agreement — involving Hand or anyone else — appeared imminent.

“Last year, we obviously started earlier in terms of moving pieces,” General Manager A.J. Preller said. “I think it’s hard to predict exactly how the timeframe’s going to play out.”


In addition to Hand, relievers Brandon Maurer, Ryan Buchter, Jose Torres, Craig Stammen and starters Trevor Cahill, Clayton Richard and Jhoulys Chacin have drawn varying levels of interest. Yangervis Solarte had attracted attention, but the second baseman is on the disabled list and may not return in time for opposing teams to accurately gauge his value.

Hand has emerged as one of the most coveted players on the market. The 27-year-old entered Friday with a 2.30 ERA and an 11.5 strikeouts-per-nine rate. He pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the All-Star Game amid widespread speculation that it would be one of his final appearances in a Padres uniform.

“I think I did a pretty good job of not paying attention to it,” Hand said. “It’s just part of the game, and whatever they see fit here in San Diego, whether they want to trade me or whatever, I’m happy here in San Diego and I hope I’m a part of the future here, because I think it’s bright. But at the end of the day, whatever they see is going to help the ballclub is not up to me, so I’ve just got to come to the ballpark ready to win.”

Many rival officials believe it is a foregone conclusion that Hand will be relocated by July 31. But while bullpen arms are the most volatile assets in the game, there could be a scenario, however unlikely, in which the Padres keep Hand past the deadline. The reliever, who is making $1.375 million this season, will be under club control for two more years.


“We’re never going to look to move players just to move players for the purpose of being active,” Preller said. “It’s got to make sense for us short-term and long-term.

“Industry-wide, my guess is there’s going to be a lot of conversations. … I think each timeline kind of takes on an identity of its own. We’ll find out more in the next couple weeks.”

Renfroe sidelined, Blash up

Right fielder Hunter Renfroe, who strained his neck taking a swing shortly before the All-Star break, was placed on the 10-day disabled list before Friday’s game. The Padres recalled Jabari Blash from Triple-A El Paso and immediately started him in right field.

Renfroe’s DL stint is retroactive to July 10, and the Padres hope to activate him as soon as he is eligible to return, Thursday in San Francisco.


“Neck’s feeling better,” Renfroe said. “I was trying to battle through it a little bit toward the end (of the first half), thinking I had those four days and that if I made it through I’d be fine. That one awkward swing kind of tore it loose, but I’m feeling good.”

Manager Andy Green said Blash, who was hitting .291 with 18 home runs for El Paso, will receive consistent, if not everyday, playing time while Renfroe is sidelined.

“I’ve been having really good at-bats in El Paso,” said Blash, who went 3-for-29 in an earlier call-up this season. “I’m just happy to get another opportunity to do well and have the chance to succeed here.”

Notable

In another pair of corresponding roster moves, the Padres placed reliever Kirby Yates on paternity leave and recalled Jose Valdez from El Paso. Yates is expected to return Monday in Colorado.

Outfielder Travis Jankowski (right foot fracture) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment in the Arizona Rookie League this weekend.

Solarte (left oblique strain) took batting practice Friday, but only from the left-handed side of the plate. The Padres are hoping the switch-hitter can begin a rehab assignment sometime next week.

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