As Spring training starts to kick into gear, more news has come out about players, as well as recent performances by the spring roster.
It’s been reported that outfielder Josh Naylor has dropped 20-30 pounds. This is huge for the Padres, as last year Josh would need a pinch runner at times, but still showed hustle. Weight was a main concern for Naylor heading into the spring and it’s good to see him make a change. Let’s just hope this doesn’t prevent him from hitting more monster bombs in the regular season.
MacKenzie Gore is looking like a future star in this league and his stats so far in the minors prove it. In his 15 games pitched with Lake Elsinore, he bolstered an ERA of 1.02. Gore is looking ready for this upcoming season and Padre fans hope to see him perform during this Spring Training period.
In Luis Patino’s most recent stint with Lake Elsinore he put up an ERA of 2.69 and a WHIP of 1.092. He may not look like the star like Gore currently looks like, but he has major potential to be a star in this league. It’s a possibility that he will be called up this season but management could be looking to keep him down for another year.
Manny Machado said in a recent interview down in Peoria about how he has bulked up this off-season, gaining major muscle mass while cutting down on fat. This should translate to Manny having even more power than before and again be another home run hitter for San Diego.
The Padres will be counting on a big arm this season in right-hander Garrett Richards. “I’m just excited to be back with the guys,” Richards said. “We’re going into battle for eight months. We’re in a foxhole together and we’re going to win.” The nine-year veteran appears to be completely healthy after recovering from Tommy John surgery last season.
Ty France, an infielder who has played each infield position except shortstop in the big leagues, was seen with catchers’ gear with catcher Austin Hedges.
Starting pitcher Joey Lucchesi came into spring training with a new pitch added to his arsenal. He began work on it immediately after the season ended, and it’ll surely help him as he looks to take one of the last remaining rotation spots.
Cal Quantrill was named the starting pitcher in the spring opener against the Mariners in Peoria on Saturday, Feb. 22. He’ll pitch two innings, followed by right-hander Michel Baez.
This spring training has been great for the Padres and hopefully this will mean a much better season.