Steve Drumwright

If you like prospects, more specifically San Diego Padres prospects, Lake Elsinore will be the place to be this summer. The Storm, a member of the Low-A California League, will sport seven of Padres Mission's top 20 prospects to begin the season. Lake Elsinore begins its season Thursday against the Ontario Tower Buzzers, a Los Angeles Dodgers affiliate. Three of the Padres' four farm teams opened against Dodgers affiliates. Ontario is a new entry in the Cal League after the Modesto Nuts moved to San Bernardino and set off an affiliate shuffle. Left-hander Kruz Schoolcraft leads the Storm's prospect parade. He was the Padres' first-round draft choice last year. Outfielder Ryan Wideman, at No. 9, and corner infielder Kale Fountain, at No. 10, are other top-10 prospects on the Lake Elsinore active roster. Of note, two-way player Sean Barnett's transaction page shows him being assigned to the Storm, but he does not appear on the roster. Ethan Long, a 2023 undrafted free agent, had previously been a first baseman, but is listed on the roster as a right-handed pitcher. Pitcher (14) Bryan Balzer, RHP Javier Chacon, LHP Winyer Chourio, RHP Nick Falter, RHP Joseph Herrera, LHP Jamie Hitt, LHP Landry Jurecka, RHP Brandon Langley, RHP Ethan Long, RHP Carlos Medina, RHP Rordy Mejia, RHP Daichi Moriki, RHP Tyler Schmitt, RHP Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP (Padres Mission's No. 3 prospect) Catcher (2) Ty Harvey (No. 8 prospect) Truitt Madonna (No. 17 prospect) Infield (8) Luke Cantwell Kerrington Cross Justin DeCriscio Victor Duarte Kale Fountain (No. 10 prospect) Bradley Frye Jorge Quintana (No. 12 prospect) Jose Verdugo Outfield (3) George Bilecki Conner Westenburg Ryan Wideman (No. 9 prospect) Other (3) RHP Humberto Cruz, restricted list (No. 6 prospect) LHP Matt Lachappa, 60-day injured list RHP Mario Zabala, 60-day injured list View full rumor

After watching closer Mason Miller finish off the Detroit Tigers and secure the San Diego Padres' first win of the season, I saw the following post on social media from Michael Baumann, who writes for FanGraphs: How Teams Beat Unbeatable Padres Closer Mason Miller May 23 vs. Philadelphia Phillies Facing a pretty good Phillies team, 32-18 entering the game, in the not-so-friendly confines of Sutter Health Park, Miller, who hadn't pitched since May 17, opened the top of the ninth with the A's down 1-0, facing the 5-6-7 hitters. J.T. Realmuto battled Miller for nine pitches before hitting a 101..3 mph four-seamer for a slow chopper that he beat out for a single. But shortstop Jacob Wilson's throw was also off the mark and went for a two-base error, putting Realmuto at third. Alec Bohm then hit a 101.1 mph four-seamer for a double to center field, scoring Realmuto to make it 2-0. Edmundo Sosa grounded a slider to first base, moving Bohm to third with one out. Brandon Marsh struck out on five pitches, the last two strikes swinging and missing at sliders. With two outs, Johan Rojas flared an 0-1 slider for an opposite-field single, scoring Bohm for a 3-0 Phillies lead. That brought up the top of the Phillies order in Trea Turner. Rojas stole second. Miller quickly got out in front of Turner at 0-2 before missing with his put-away slider for ball one. Two more fouls followed before another slider was very inside, putting the count at 2-2. The next pitch was another slider, but middle-in and Turner laced it to center for an RBI single and a 4-0 Phillies lead. Miller was yanked after 27 pitches. The poor outing hurt more as the A's scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth before falling 4-3. May 24 vs. Philadelphia Phillies Getting another shot vs. the Phillies the next day, Miller came on for the ninth, protecting a 4-3 A's lead. This time, he was facing the 8-9-1 hitters in Marsh, Max Kepler, and Trea Turner. Marsh again struck out on five pitches as he did the day before. Hitting .229 entering the game, Kepler ambushed a first-pitch four-seamer, sending the 101.4 offering deep to right field for his sixth homer of the season and tying the game 4-4. Miller bounced by by striking out Turner on five pitches, but then yielded a first-pitch single to Bryce Harper on a changeup. The patient Kyler Schwarber drew a five-pitch walk to put runners on first and second before Miller struck out future Padres teammate Nick Castellanos on four pitches to end the threat. June 13 vs. Kansas City Royals Miller had been off for four days after making three appearances in four games. This time, it wasn't a save situation, as the A's had a comfortable 6-1 lead entering the ninth inning. The bullpen was rested, as the A's had the previous day off and used only two relievers in their last game. So, this was simply an outing to get work in. Due up were the 5-6-7 hitters. Salvador Perez led off with a six-pitch walk that featured five four-seamers. That brought up rookie slugger Jac Caglianone, who isn't exactly a patient hitter (7.8% walk rate in 2025). Yet he also walked on six pitches, all but one a four-seamer. Little-used Nic Loftin followed by lacing an 0-1 four-seamer for a liner to left-center that skipped past left fielder Tyler Soderstrom for a two-run triple, his second three-bagger in as many nights. John Rave made it a 6-4 game with a sacrifice fly, before Miller struck out Kyle Isbel on four pitches and Drew Waters popped out on the first pitch to end the game. June 19 vs. Houston Astros Less than a week later and two more appearances under his belt, Miller was called upon to put out a fire with two outs in the top of the eighth inning, clinging to a 4-1 lead. Runners were on first and second when Miller replaced J.T. Ginn and No. 8 hitter Victor Caratini due up. The switch-hitting Caratini, after going 0-for-3 with three strikeouts against left-handed starter Jacob Lopez, was aggressive and launched a first-pitch four-seamer that was down but in the middle of the plate for a game-tying three-run homer. Miller's four-seamer was down in velocity at 98.4 mph. He then struck out Mauricio Dubon on seven pitches to end the eighth. In the top of the ninth, Jeremy Pena led off with a single before Miller, relying more on his slider in this appearance, got the next three hitters—Isaac Paredes, Jose Altuve and Yainer Diaz—to pop out. The A's would win 6-4 in 10 innings. Aug. 5 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks In the only one of his 22 appearances with the Padres in which Miller allowed a run, he came into the game in the bottom of the eighth inning in his new role as a setup man. The Friars had a 5-3 lead and the top of the Diamondbacks' order was due up. Corbin Carroll lined out to right on the first pitch, then Ketel Marte struck out on five pitches, four of which were sliders. Geraldo Perdomo saw all four-seamers in a five-pitch walk to bring up Lourdes Guerriel Jr. He took a first-pitch ball and a second-pitch strike before fouling off four straight pitches. On the seventh pitch, the fifth four-seamer of the at-bat, a 103.9 mph offering, Gurriel launched a 439-foot game-tying homer. Miller struck out the next batter and the Padres scored five runs in the top of the 11th to win 10-5. Conclusion Is there a common theme in these outings? There doesn't seem to be. Two of the three homers Miller gave up were first-pitch four-seamers, both in different locations. Two of these five outings saw him give up runs in the eighth inning, once in a fireman's role in which he would get four outs and the other in his second game in a Padres uniform as he got used to a new role. If anything, His pitch usage is fairly similar between right-handed batters and left-handed batters. Against righties in 2025, he used his four-seamer 51% of the time and his slider 48% with an occasional changeup. Against lefties, his four-seamer use was 53%, his slider at 42%, and his changeup up to 5%. Miller's four-seamer lights up the radar guns, but doesn't move much differently from other four-seamers. But his slider has significantly more break (4.2 inches) and drop (3.3 inches). Perhaps relying more on the slider would erase the few negative outings that Miller does turn in each season, but weird things are bound to happen in frequent one-inning samples. Frankly, it's amazing that Miller is so adverse to blowup outings, which tend to sink most other reliever's stats. Miller is as good as any other closer in MLB, perhaps the best. In a long line of elite door slammers, he may emerge as one of the Padres' all-time greats. View full article

With MLB and Triple-A schedules beginning last week, the other three full-season levels get their seasons going this upcoming weekend. And for the San Diego Padres' affiliates, we have official Opening Day rosters for the Double-A San Antonio Missions and the High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps. The Missions open their season Thursday with three road games against the Tulsa Drillers, while the TinCaps also begin away from home Friday with three games against the Great Lakes Loons. Tulsa and Great Lakes are Los Angeles Dodgers farm teams. The Low-A Lake Elsinore Storm do not have a confirmed roster at this point, but should be released in the next day or two. If you are looking for who opened the season in Triple-A El Paso, you can find that here. Double-A San Antonio Missions The Missions have six of Padres Mission's top-20 prospects on their roster, including No. 1 Ethan Salas, a catcher, and No. 5, Miguel Mendez, a right-handed starter who is already on the Padres' 40-man roster. The others are No. 7 Jagger Haynes (left-handed starter), No. 11 Romeo Sanabria (first baseman), No. 19 Eric Yost (right-handed starter) and No. 20 Manuel Castro (right-handed reliever). Pitcher (16) Jagger Haynes, LH (Padres Mission's No. 7 prospect) Fernando Sanchez, LH Johan Moreno, RH Sadrac Franco, RH Eric Yost, RH (No. 19 prospect) Manuel Castro, RH (No. 20 prospect) Andrew Dalquist, RH Michael Flynn, RH Harry Gustin, LH Francis Pena, RH Luis Gutierrez, LH Andrew Thurman, RH Josh Mallitz, RH Victor Lizarraga, RH Ian Koenig, RH Miguel Mendez, RH (No. 5 prospect) Catcher (3) Christopher Sargent Jr. Ethan Salas (No. 1 prospect) Brendan Durfee Infield (5) Francisco Acuna Carson Tucker Luis Verdugo Ryan Jackson Romeo Sanabria (No. 11 prospect) Outfield (5) Kai Murphy Albert Fabian Kai Roberts Braedon Karpathios Joshua Mears Other (3) RHP Enmanuel Perez, administrative leave C Andy Thomas, restricted list IF Wyatt Hoffman, 60-day injured list High-A Fort Wayne TinCaps There will be three of Padres Mission's top-20 prospects playing for the TinCaps to begin the 2026 season, with more surely to follow. That starts with the Padres' top draft pick from 2024, left-handed starter Kash Mayfield, who made 19 starts for Lake Elsinore in his pro debut. He will be throwing to catcher Lamar King Jr., the No. 13 prospect, while No. 16 prospect Kavares Tears is in the Fort Wayne outfield. Pitcher (17) Clark Candiotti, RH Jaxon Dalena, RH Vicarte Domingo, RH Clay Edmondson, RH Luis German, RH Igor Gil, LH Bernard Jose, R Kannon Kemp, RH Isaiah Lowe, RH Kash Mayfield, LH (Padres Mission's No. 2 prospect) Maikel Miralles, RH Carson Montgomery, RH Kleiber Olmedo, RH Abraham Parra, RH Braian Salazar, LH Will Varmette, RH Jeferson Villabona, RH Catcher (3) Lamar King Jr. (No. 13 prospect) Oswaldo Linares Carlos Rodriguez Infield (5) Jack Costello Zach Evans Dylan Grego Jonathan Vastine Rosman Verdugo Outfield (4) Jake Cunningham Alex McCoy Kavares Tears (No. 16 prospect) Kasen Wells Other (1) RHP Tyler Morgan, 60-day injured list These rosters, of course are quite fluid. The Padres are one of the most aggressive teams in promoting top prospects, so expect plenty of changes to these teams as the season goes on. View full article

The 2025 Colorado Rockies came two losses short of joining the 2024 Chicago White Sox as the worst team in modern MLB history. That might be the nicest thing you can say about last year's team. Among the eye-gouging stats that include a 7-33 start: A minus-424 run differential, an MLB record. They were outscored by 2.6 runs per game—that includes the 43 games they won. The previous modern-day mark was minus-349 by the 1932 Boston Red Sox. The 2024 White Sox had a minus-306 run differential. But things are looking up, at least modestly in 2026, even though the Rockies will probably finish last in the NL West for the fifth year in a row. Rockies' Notable Offseason Moves The biggest move the Rockies made since the end of a disastrous 2025 was revamping the front office. After three straight 100-loss seasons and finishing fourth or fifth in the NL West in the last seven seasons, the Rox ditched general manager Bill Schmidt and brought in Paul DePodesta, who had spent the previous decade with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. It certainly brought some criticism, as the Browns have not exactly been a model franchise over that time, making the playoffs twice since 2002. DePodesta, who has plenty of MLB experience through his time with the "Moneyball" Oakland A's, has probably changed the perception of his hiring with what he has done this offseason. The front office has been brought into the modern ages and he hired Josh Byrnes, who had overseen the Los Angeles Dodgers' scouting and player development for the previous 11 years, as general manager. No star players were brought in, but there was a collection of moves that will at least help the Rockies put a competitive team on the field. The pitching staff now includes right-handers Michael Lorenzen and Tomoyuki Sugano and left-hander Jose Quintana, while outfielder Jake McCarthy (trade), utility man Willi Castro, infielder Edouard Julien and catcher Brett Sullivan were also brought in. Projected Rockies Lineup Jake McCarthy, LF Ezequiel Tovar, SS Hunter Goodman, C Mickey Moniak, DH Jordan Beck, RF Willi Castro, 3B Brenton Doyle, CF Troy Johnston, 1B Edouard Julien, 2B Goodman was stuck behind Jacob Stallings and Elias Diaz in 2024, but then stepped into the spotlight in 2025 with a .278/.323/.520 slash line with 31 homers and 91 RBIs, becoming an offensive centerpiece. Moniak finally realized some of the promise that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft, but it came after being released by his hometown Los Angeles Angels; he slashed .270/.306/.518 with 24 homers and 68 RBIs last year. Doyle had a rough season due to off-the-field issues, so he is looking to bounce back to the 23-homer performance of 2023, when he was put up 4.0 bWAR. Johnston will be someone to watch. He was waived by the Miami Marlins after a debut season in which he slashed .277/.331/.420 with four homers in 44 games. More consistent playing time in Coors Field could increase his value. Projected Rockies Rotation LH Kyle Freeland RH Michael Lorenzen LH Jose Quintana RH Tomoyuki Sugano RH Ryan Feltner As with the lineup, nothing truly stands out here. Freeland deserves a medal for sticking around with the Rockies for his 10th season. It could be his last, as there is a player option that vests at 170 innings for 2027. The front office convincing Lorenzen, Quintana and Sugano to pitch in Coors Field for a full season has to be considered a win. At worst, they should help eat some innings and keep the bullpen from working as much as it did in 2025, when it put up a 5.19 ERA. Feltner was the surprising winner over right-hander Chase Dollander for the last spot. Dollander, a highly touted prospect who made 21 starts in his debut season, had a 5.53 FIP, with an 11.1% walk rate contributing heavily to that. He will begin the season in the bullpen. The Verdict Warren Schaeffer managed the Rockies on an interim basis following Bud Black's surprising firing after going 7-33 (surprising in that Rockies ownership noticed the team wasn't doing well on the field). Shaeffer's Rockies went 36-86 and he was given the full-time job for this season. If Schaeffer can avoid a fourth straight 100-loss season, that would be considered a huge success in the first year of a new administration. Being better against the division would also help. The Rockies were 12-40 vs. the NL West in 2025. View full article

It wasn't the best week the San Diego Padres have ever had, but at least baseball is back. Weekly Snapshot Record last week: 1-2 Runs scored last week: 7 Runs allowed last week: 13 Standings Random Stats The Opening Day-record crowd of 45,673 at Petco Park was the fifth-largest in the stadium's history. In 47 starts for the Padres, Vasquez has gone at least five innings 27 times. He has a 2.26 ERA and is 20-7 in those outings. Tatis went 0-for-4 in Game 2 of the series to snap a nine-game hitting streak. He had a .353/.405/.618 slash line with three homers and six RBIs during that run. Backup catcher Luis Campusano went 2-for-3 in ball-strike challenges in the second game, the first challenges by the Padres this season. Cronenworth was the first Friars hitter to challenge, doing so successfully in the series finale. Saturday's win kept the Friars undefeated on March 28. They are now 4-0, having beaten Atlanta 4-3 last year, the San Francisco Giants 6-4 in 2024, and the Giants 2-0 in 2019. Website Highlights Cronenworth's Swing Adjustment Could Yield Massive Benefit for Padres — Randy Holt San Diego Padres 2026 Defensive Primer — Randy Holt Three reasons why the Padres will win the NL West and three reasons why they won't — Steve Drumwright Beverly Hills Billionaire Tom Gores Joins Bidders to Purchase Padres — Steve Drumwright Looking Ahead Monday: Giants (Landen Roupp) at Padres (Walker Buehler), 6:40 p.m. Tuesday: Giants (Logan Webb) at Padres (German Marquez), 6:40 p.m. Wednesday: Giants (Adrian Houser) at Padres (Nick Pivetta), 1:10 p.m. Thursday: Off. Friday: Padres (Michael King) at Red Sox, 11:10 a.m. Saturday: Padres (Randy Vasquez) at Red Sox, 1:10 p.m. Sunday: Padres (Walker Buehler) at Red Sox, 10:35 a.m. View full article

There is no doubt that 2025 was disappointing for the Arizona Diamondbacks. They seemed to be hit by a lot of injuries, including to their prized free-agent signing that offseason in ace right-hander Corbin Burnes. They offloaded a few pieces at the trade deadline, but even in September still had a chance to make the postseason, finishing 80-82, three games out of the final spot. Diamondbacks' Notable Offseason Moves While there wasn't much in terms of volume to accomplish this offseason, there were a couple of big holes that the D'backs needed to fill. And they did it with familiar faces. Zac Gallen remained with the team even after receiving and rejecting the $22.025 million qualifying offer, and fellow right-handed starter Merrill Kelly, who was dealt to the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline, returned on a two-year, $40 million contract. As a bonus, they also signed right-hander Michael Soroka to a one-year, $7.5 million contract just before they added Kelly. First baseman Carlos Santana inked a one-year, $2 million contract. In the most surprising acquisition, the D'backs were the landing spot for third baseman Nolan Arenado, who was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals. It only cost them right-hander Jack Martinez, last year's eighth-round draft pick. Finally, right-handed reliever Paul Sewald stuck around on a one-year, $1.5 million deal. Projected Diamondbacks Lineup Geraldo Perdomo, SS Ketel Marte, 2B Corbin Carroll, RF Gabriel Moreno, C Pavin Smith, DH Nolan Arenado, 3B Carlos Santana, 1B Jordan Lawlar, CF Alek Thomas, LF The D'backs had the fifth-best OPS in MLB last year, but that was a lineup that included third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who hit 36 homers and drove in 87 runs before being dealt to the Seattle Mariners, as well as first baseman Josh Naylor, who had a .292/.360/.447 before separately being traded to the Mariners. Will being on a contender after wallowing with the St. Louis Cardinals rejuvenate Arenado? Soon to turn 35 years old, he has a .261/.312/.413 slash line with 54 homers and a combined 6 fWAR over the last three seasons, which is basically MLB average, after putting up a .293/.358/.533 mark with 30 homers for a 7.9 bWAR in 2022. While he still has a pretty good eye, Arenado likes to chase a lot (16th percentile) and his exit velocity is down to 86.8 mph (10th percentile). Santana, meanwhile, is about to turn 40 and has played for seven teams over the last four seasons, putting up a .226/.318/.392 slash line, including 76 homers. But the lineup still does have Carroll, Marte and Perdomo at the top of the lineup. The middle of the lineup looks a little soft with Moreno, Smith, Arenado and Santana, while the D'backs are hoping a move from the infield to center field helps to unlock Lawlar's offensive potential. Projected Diamondbacks Rotation RH Zac Gallen RH Ryne Nelson LH Eduardo Rodriguez RH Brandon Pfaadt RH Michael Soroka Kelly is starting the season on the 15-day injured list due to an intercostal nerve irritation. It is expected to be a short stay. That paves the way for Soroka to begin the season in the rotation. This figures to be the strength of the team this season, but that depends on Gallen, Rodriguez and Pfaadt improving upon their 2025 numbers. Nelson had the best 2025 of this bunch; he posted a 3.73 FIP in 33 appearances, 10 of which came in relief. If the D'backs can stay in the thick of things, 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes could be back sometime around the All-Star break. The Verdict There are definitely some questions that will need to be answered before this team can contend. If Arenado visits the Fountain of Youth and becomes even a solid offensive force, that will boost the offense, which feels a little suspect with Moreno and Smith hitting fourth and fifth. Gallen was once a staff ace but has lost that luster in recent years. Perhaps healthy returns from Burnes and Kelly will key a run for this team. The D'backs stayed in contention after selling at the deadline, so there is some magic fairy dust floating around the desert. View full article

The San Francisco Giants are one of those teams that you feel should always be a contender. But, ever since their historic 107-55 2021 season, the truth is the Giants have not finished better than 81-81. That was the Giants' record last year, the second time in four years at .500, which prompted a change in direction for 2026. Will this fresh look be the thing that pushes the Giants over the hump in a competitive NL West? Giants' Notable Offseason Moves The splashiest move the by the Giants was what they did to fill their managerial vacancy after firing Bob Melvin. They dipped into the college ranks to snag Tony Vitello, who had no previous professional coaching experience. Now, Vitello was at the top of his profession in college, but the talkative new manager has to adjust to facing the media twice a day and building relationships with players who make much more than he does and might be skeptical of him. While he had some shaky media moments early in spring training, Vitello hasn't been making any headlines recently, which should be considered a positive. On the field, the biggest acquisitions were two starting pitchers and two position players. Right-handers Adrian Houser (two years, $22 million) and Tyler Mahle (one year, $10 million) will be part of a rotation that only lost Just Verlander. Harrison Bader (two years, $20.5 million) takes over in center field as one of the best defenders in the game, moving Jung Hoo Lee to right. Hit machine and former San Diego Padre Luis Arraez (one year, $12 million) will play second base, a position where he offers questionable defense. Right-hander Ryan Borucki joined the Giants over the weekend, perhaps reflecting the concern over the bullpen's depth. Projected Giants Lineup Luis Arraez, 2B Rafael Devers, 1B Willy Adames, SS Matt Chapman, 3B Jung Hoo Lee, RF Heliot Ramos, LF Harrison Bader, CF Will Brennan, DH Patrick Bailey, C Arraez, for all the criticism he receives, gives offenses a little juice with his ability to hit. His string of three straight batting titles came to an end in 2025, but not before a late-season surge got him up to a .292/.327/.392 slash line. The real question is will Devers, now that he has had an offseason to put his Boston Red Sox drama behind him, return to his career .276/.349/.506 mark after putting up a .236/.347/.460 following the mid-June trade. He did hit 20 of his 35 homers in those 90 games, but the rest of his production needs to improve. Also, will moving Lee off center field help to unlock more offense? Ramos has back-to-back 20-homer seasons, but likewise needs to contribute more. Projected Giants Rotation Logan Webb, RHP Robbie Ray, LHP Tyler Mahle, RHP Adrian Houser, RHP Landen Roupp, RHP Webb and Ray at the top of this rotation will give the Giants a fighting chance throughout the season. Mahle is underrated (3.37 FIP, 2.18 ERA in 2025), but coming off a season in which he was limited to 16 starts with the Texas Rangers due to right shoulder fatigue. Houser has never made more than 26 starts due to a variety of reasons, but he did have a 3.81 FIP in 2025 between the Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. Roupp, mainly a reliever in 2024, had his first full taste of an MLB starting rotation in 2025, putting up a 3.91 FIP in 22 starts. This should be a pretty good group. The Verdict How does Vitello deal with the daily grind of the MLB schedule? How he manages the bullpen will be something to watch, but he does have former San Diego Padres skipper Jayce Tingler as his bench coach and Justin Meccage as his pitching coach, the latter of whom has MLB coaching experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 2018-24. But it will be how Vitello handles adversity or a prolonged slump that could determine how the Giants do this season. Devers returning to MVP-caliber form, combined with this starting rotation, could have the Giants contend for a postseason spot. View full article

We all know there is a huge obstacle standing in the way of the San Diego Padres winning the NL West. That is that team just up the coast a couple hours that has won the last two World Series. So, it will take a Herculean effort for the Friars to knock the Los Angeles Dodgers from the top spot in the division. The good news is they have players on their roster capable of delivering such performances. Here are three reasons why the Padres will be on top of the NL West after 162 games... and three reasons the will come up shy. The Padres will win the West because... Fernando Tatis Jr. explodes There just feels like there is an extra bit of aura around superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. entering the 2026 season. The right fielder is the Friars' most dynamic player and has a slash line of .266/.344/.459 over the last three seasons, averaging 23.7 homers, 66 RBIs and 24 steals. Tatis has not had a 30-homer, 30-steal base season in his six seasons, coming close with 42 homers and 25 steals in 2021, the year before his 80-game suspension for using a performance-enhancing drug. He finally came close again in 2025 at 25-32. But 30-30 certainly seems like it should be a routine part of his stat line. The 27-year-old had a terrific World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic, putting up a .400/.538/.700 slash line with two impressive homers, including a grand slam. That could certainly be the fuel to get him going early in 2026. Tatis has seemingly put the rough 2023 campaign behind him, in which he at first was returning from offseason shoulder surgery and then the suspension. With a fresh start under manager Craig Stammen, Tatis could be ready to erupt. Michael King contends for the Cy Young This would certainly be a double-edged sword for the Friars. In his first two seasons with the Padres following the Juan Soto with the New York Yankees, the right-handed starter posted a 3.65 FIP, with an 8.6% walk rate and 26.8% strikeout rate. King is coming off a 2025 in which he made only 15 starts due to an issue with the long thoracic nerve in his throwing shoulder and then knee inflammation after returning. That was supposed to set him up for free agency. Instead of striking it big on the open market, though, King came back to San Diego on a player-friendly three-year, $75 million contract in which he has opt-outs after this season and 2027. He is making $17 million this year, then $28 million in 2027 and $30 million in 2028. Basically, he is betting on himself this year, with a soft landing of sticking around for at least another year if things don't go quite right. The 31-year-old opens the season as the No. 2 starter, but could easily become the No. 1 if takes the next step in his career. Nick Castellanos crushes Could we be in for a Nick Castellanos renaissance? While he won't play the Philadelphia Phillies until Memorial Day weekend at Petco Park and make his not-so-triumphant return to the City of Brotherly Love from June 2-4, he will certainly be motivated by the unceremonious departure from the team. The Padres will be the beneficiary of whatever Castellanos produces as they are paying him the MLB minimum while the Phillies, who released him at the beginning of spring training, are on the hook for the remaining $20 million he is making this year. In his four years with the Phillies, Castellanos had a .260/.306/.426 slash line, averaging 20.5 homers and 81.5 RBIs. Now playing first base and designated hitter, with perhaps some time in the outfield corners, the veteran slugger could return to form with a renewed focus on hitting. Castellanos had a career-high 34 homers with the Cincinnati Reds in 2021, the year before he signed with Philly. Hitting in the middle of the Friars' lineup could get him the opportunity to for just his second 30-homer season as he enters his 14th year. The Padres won't win the NL West because... Joe Musgrove doesn't bounce back As the guy from El Cajon who authored the first no-hitter in Padres history, Joe Musgrove will always hold a special place in Friars fans' hearts. But the right-handed starter's comeback from Tommy John surgery hasn't gone as expected this spring. Java Joe entered camp having declared that he was healthy and ready to go for the season, but he made only one appearance, an exhibition against Great Britain's World Baseball Classic team, and threw 60 pitches in two innings. While you can question that workload in his first game since the 2024 postseason, the bottom line is that Musgrove's arm didn't respond well. That led to him being placed on the 15-day injured list to begin the season. When he resumes his throwing program and returns to MLB rotation is to be determined; it could be a quick return or it could take more time. Also, the production from a pitcher on the comeback trail seems to take a while to return to previous levels. Add it all up, and you have a very wobbly foundation in the middle of the team's rotation. Manny Machado begins to decline Manny Machado has been a fairly steady part of the Padres since signing before the 2019 season. But as the third baseman is now 33 years old, the Friars want to keep the seven-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner in peak freshness. That is one reason why the president of baseball operations A.J. Preller brought in players such as Sung Mun Song and Miguel Andujar, who can spell Machado at the hot corner from time to time. Whether Machado wants that rest is another discussion, but Stammen certainly wants to keep the third baseman's energy high, whether that means more time at designated hitter or full days off. Machado's average bat speed has gone down from 76.7 mph (96th percentile) in 2023 to 74.5 mph (84th percentile) last year. To be fair, Machado also increased other offensive metrics that allowed him to produce a .275/.335/.460 slash line (right near his career numbers) with 27 homers and 95 RBIs. The Padres would certainly take a repeat of that in 2026. But his defensive numbers have also taken a hit; both his arm strength and range have taken hits in recent years. The eye test is dubious of such metrics, because it seems on a nightly basis that Machado still provides terrific defense. But maybe the Padres have it right in trying to get their superstar third baseman some extra time off his legs at the hot corner. The bullpen is overworked and underperforms There is no question that the Padres are beginning the 2026 season with questions in the starting rotation and the depth behind it. They are counting on Walker Buehler and German Marquez for big innings. But if they fail to respond and their replacements, whether it be Musgrove or Griffin Canning or JP Sears, also don't step up, that will put the pressure on the Friars' bullpen to shoulder the innings load. That unit was one of the best in MLB a year ago, but also logged the 10th-most innings. The quality of the bullpen hasn't diminished, even with departure of closer Robert Suarez through free agency. Trade-deadline prize Mason Miller takes over as the closer, with everyone else returning. That depth took a slight hit when Bryan Hoeing required season-ending flexor tendon surgery in his right elbow, which does raise some concerns; if the bullpen is called upon a lot early, that could create an overuse issue with the relievers. There is a little bit of good news coming for that group as Jason Adam (ruptured quad) and Yuki Matsui (strained left groin) should be back at some point in the coming months. Still, the bullpen usage, not considering any further injuries, will be critical in how this team performs. View full article

As the San Diego Padres played their second game of the season on Friday, two of their players took their first steps in making their way back to the major-league roster. Infielder Sung Mun Song and right-handed starter Matt Waldron began rehab assignments with Triple-A El Paso following their spring training injuries. Friday marked the season opener for the Chihuahuas, who played on the road against the Sacramento River Cats. Waldron is recovering from hemorrhoid surgery, and Song from a strained right oblique. Waldron started and went three shutout innings, allowing two hits, walking none, and striking out three. Waldron faced 10 batters and threw 37 pitches, 25 for strikes. Song, who played second base, had four plate appearances, going 1-for-3 with a walk, a strikeout, and two RBIs. Hitting second in the lineup, Song drew a six-pitch walk in his first plate appearance, lined out to center in the third inning, hit a two-run single in the fifth, and struck out in the sixth before being replaced in the bottom of the eighth by Clay Dungan. In the field, Song handled four grounders, helped turn two double plays, and caught a pop-up. The Chihuahuas won 9-3. The clock has now started on Waldron and Song. Rehab assignments can last up to 30 days for pitchers and 20 days for position players. View full rumor

Friday marks the start of the Triple-A season, which means those players who just missed landing on the San Diego Padres' Opening Day roster or have hopes of making their MLB debuts this season are beginning their campaigns with the El Paso Chihuahuas. El Paso opens the year with a West Coast road trip, beginning with three games against the Sacramento River Cats, a San Francisco Giants affiliate. The Chihuahuas then go up to Washington to face the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners) next week before returning for their home-opening series vs. the Albuquerque Isotopes (Colorado Rockies). The roster for El Paso isn't stocked with prospects, as those are primarily at the lower levels of the Padres' system, but there are players who could end up playing key roles with San Diego this season. Several players already have MLB experience. Some of those veterans A few players are unaccounted for on this roster. Catcher Blake Hunt sustained an oblique injury during spring training and is likely on the injured list. Three other players—right-handed reliever and Ty Adcock, and outfielders Alex Verdugo and Tirso Ornelas—are not listed on the active roster. Adcock, who had an oblique injury, and Verdugo, who was a late camp signing, did see action in the final stages of the Cactus League. Ornelas stayed behind for more at-bats, extended spring training, and will eventually join the Chihuahuas, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. With that said, let's take a look at El Paso's 28-player Opening Day roster for manager Pete Zamora. Projected starting rotation (5) JP Sears, LH Triston McKenzie, RH Marco Gonzales, LH Jackson Wolf, LH Evan Fitterer, RH Sears, acquired at the trade deadline in the Mason Miller deal, lost out on a major-league job with the additions of Walker Buehler and German Marquez. With a full bullpen in San Diego, the Padres preferred to keep Sears in a starting role, thus beginning the season in El Paso. McKenzie and Gonzales are reclamation projects who began spring training with outside shots at the rotation. Both have dealt with injuries and are trying to get back to the majors after some tough times. Wolf was considered for a multi-inning role out of the Padres' bullpen that went to fellow left-hander Kyle Hart. Projected bullpen (9) Daison Acosta, RH Miguel Cienfuegos, LH Logan Gillaspie, RH Garrett Hawkins, RH (No. 14 Padres Mission prospect) Alek Jacob, RH Ethan Routzahn, RH Misael Tamarez, RH Eli Villalobos, RH Justin Yeager, RH Even with the unknown status of Castro and Adcock, there are plenty of candidates who could step into a major-league role at any time. That begins with Gillaspie, who made a push to be included on the Padres' roster, as well as Jacob, who had 29 appearances with the Padres in 2025. Hawkins is the lone prospect on the El Paso roster. He vaulted onto the scene last year after ditching a starting role following Tommy John surgery. He had 38 consecutive scoreless innings over 29 outings that included a promotion from High A Fort Wayne to Double-A San Antonio. He was the Padres' Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Yeager is on the verge of his MLB debut. Acosta was signed to a major-league contract early in the offseason despite not having made his MLB debut, but was taken off the 40-man roster this spring. Catcher (3) Rodolfo Duran Anthony Villar Colton Vincent With Hunt out, Duran is likely the top catcher to begin the season. He had a nice Cactus League while in major-league camp, with a .250/.419/.667 slash line with three homers in 16 games. Either Duran or Hunt, once healthy, could be called upon if any issues crop up behind the plate. Infield (7) Marcos Castanon, SS-3B-2B Clay Dungan, 2B-SS-3B Mason McCoy, SS-2B Jose Miranda, 3B Nate Mondou, 2B Nick Solak, 1B-OF Samad Taylor, IF-OF Taylor, McCoy, and Miranda were all candidates for the Padres' Opening Day roster and will be part of the nucleus in El Paso. Dungan and Castanon also saw quite a bit of time in the Cactus League play. Solak has the most MLB experience of this group, with 259 games over six years, including five games with the Pittsburgh Pirates last year. He is a good bat, but has issues in the field. Outfield (4) Jase Bowen, CF-LF Pablo Reyes, OF-2B-3B Carlos Rodriguez, OF Nick Schnell, CF-RF Bowen provided some moments in the Cactus League with his athleticism. The former Michigan State recruit as a wide receiver tied for the team lead in home runs this spring with four, matching Gavin Sheets as well as Schnell, who also opened some eyes in camp. Bowen also stole a team-high seven bases. Reyes is a veteran journeyman. View full article

Sometimes, it's nice to just have a little luck on your side. While it isn't luck that drove the San Diego Padres draft Jackson Merrill, the Friars were fortunate that the high school shortstop took to his new position so quickly. He was rewarded with a contract extension that could have him patrolling center at Petco Park through at least the 2034 season. However, coming off an injury-marred 2025 campaign, Merrill will have to show that last year was the aberration and he is more like the 2024 phenom who took the National League by storm. Padres Center Fielders At A Glance Starter: Jackson Merrill Backup: Bryce Johnson, Ramon Laureano Depth: Jase Bowen, Nick Schnell Prospects: Ryan Wideman, Braedon Karpathios Padres fWAR ranking last year: 10th out of 30. Padres fWAR projection this year: Third out of 30. The Good When the Padres took Merrill with the 27th pick in the 2021 draft out of a Maryland high school, they thought they had their shortstop of the future. What they didn't know was they were getting their center fielder of the future. It just so happened that the Friars had a need for a center fielder entering spring training in 2024 and decided to try their 20-year-old prospect in a tough defensive position he had never played before. From there, Merrill showed that he can play anywhere on the diamond. All he did was put up a .292/.326/.500 slash line with 24 homers, 90 RBIs and 16 steals in 156 games to finish as the runner-up to Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes for NL Rookie of the Year and won the NL Silver Slugger for center. He also finished ninth in NL MVP voting. But his 2025 campaign was most definitely not a repeat performance. He signed a nine-year, $135 million contract extension at the beginning of the season that begins in 2026. Then, the injuries hit. First, it was a strained hamstring in April that sidelined him for about a month. Then, it was a concussion in mid-June that kept him out the minimum seven days. Finally, a sprained left ankle and bone bruise put him out of action for 13 days. He still put up solid numbers, with a .264/.317/.457 slash line with 16 homers and 67 RBIs. Likewise, his defense was still really good. Merrill has good speed and can cover gap to gap with ease as well as with a strong arm, offering plenty of reasons for optimism after a health-rejuvenating offseason. The Bad That being said, you have to consider Merrill's injuries when looking at the downturn in his numbers. His hamstring and ankle injuries limited his running and the concussion can have any number of effects. Merrill attempted just three steals in the entire 2025 season and was successful just once. That came after 16 steals on 19 attempts as a rookie. The lack of steals could also be because he hit in the top half of the order in 2025, with probably too many games in the cleanup spot. As a rookie, he hit ninth a lot and mainly in the bottom half of the lineup. Responsibility is a key part of being a star, but perhaps it was a jump too far for someone who is still just 22 years old. His exit velocity only dropped from 90.4 mph to 89.7 from 2024 to 2025, but that sent him from the 70th percentile to the 46th. Merrill still chases too many pitches. with his 37.8% rate in 2025 sitting in the seventh percentile. He also struck out more, although his 22.4% rate is right at the MLB average. Injuries, pressure, and perhaps just an old fashioned sophomore slump caught up with him. The Bottom Line Merrill turns 23 in April and is still learning how to be an MLB player. But the talent is undeniable; he can be one of the best center fielders in the game with his combination of offense and defense. With the changes that are being contemplated to the Padres' top of the lineup, Merrill could be better served as a leadoff or No. 2 hitter, allowing his speed to became a bit more of a factor. Notching 20 steals should be easy for someone like Merrill, who should be a much better hitter this season than he was as a sophomore. A 20-homer, 20-steal season is very attainable, and he could challenge for 100 runs if he is ahead of Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. in the lineup. If injuries hamper Merrill again, Bryce Johnson is a capable backup who had a breakthrough offensively in 2025, putting up a .342/.383/.434 slash line in 84 plate appearances. Ramon Laureano also has center field experience, as he showed in 14 games with the Padres after being acquired at the trade deadline. View full article