Ellis has called it quits after spending 11 seasons in the big leagues. He spent the majority of his time with the Dodgers (nine years) but also made stops in Philadelphia, Miami and San Diego. Ellis finishes his career with a .239/.378/.344 slash line, 44 home runs and 229 RBI over 672 games.

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 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 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.