SAN DIEGO -- When the Padres welcomed two of their sluggers back from the injured list on Tuesday, it was top prospect C.J. Abrams who gave way on the big league roster.

Abrams, whose playing time has dried up of late, was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Tuesday afternoon. The Padres reinstated Luke Voit (right biceps tightness) and Wil Myers (right thumb contusion) from the injured list. Abrams was sent down in a corresponding move, and outfielder Trayce Thompson was designated for assignment.

Abrams' first stint in the big leagues featured its share of memorable moments. The 21-year-old speedster launched his first career home run in his first plate appearance at Petco Park during the team's home opener. He also flashed some leather and showcased his elite wheels.

But on the whole, Abrams struggled at the plate. He slashed .182/.270/.273 in 20 games with the Padres. Lately, Ha-Seong Kim had begun to assert himself as the team's everyday shortstop. When the club claimed Sergio Alcántara off waivers from the D-backs on Tuesday, it gave them a versatile infield piece who can also back up at second base and shortstop. That suddenly made Abrams expendable.

Manager Bob Melvin and general manager A.J. Preller delivered the news to Abrams on Tuesday afternoon, with this message:

"Just get more at-bats and do my thing," Abrams said, noting that he's on board with the plan.

"'You play every day, you're going to get better quicker," Abrams added.

As for Voit and Myers, the Padres sure could use a jolt offensively. They had scored just eight runs through the first five games of their homestand. Both were in the starting lineup against the Cubs on Tuesday.

Voit struggled immensely during a five-game rehab stint at Triple-A El Paso, going hitless and striking out 12 times in 18 at-bats. He rejoined the Padres on Sunday and received about 25 live at-bats on Monday morning under the watchful eye of the coaching staff. Evidently, Voit showed enough to warrant a return to the big league club.

In serious need of some power, the Padres traded for Voit in March. But he struggled in his first 13 games with the club while playing through the biceps injury. Voit said he developed some bad habits as a result of the injury, and he's hopeful those have been ironed out.

"This team made a transaction to bring me here, and I want to play," Voit said. "I'm ready to go."

As for Myers, he hasn't received any live at-bats since he landed on the IL late last month. But the swelling in his thumb has subsided entirely, and he's been going through his usual pregame workouts, taking batting practice, running the bases and getting reps in right field.

"I feel as ready as I can be," Myers said. "A lot of it depends on timing. Two weeks isn't really that big of a deal. If you're talking about two months, that's a bigger deal. ... Looking forward to getting in the batter's box tonight and letting it fly."