Walker Buehler is one of a handful of pitchers competing for a spot at the back of the San Diego Padres rotation. He made a strong case for himself with a dominant start against the San Francisco Giants. Buehler threw five scoreless innings and recorded seven strikeouts while allowing three hits and two walks. The San Diego offense did not get anything going against San Francisco starter Tyler Mahle, but no one has this spring. In four Spring Training games, Mahle has earned three wins and has yet to allow a run over 10 innings while allowing just two hits. The Padres offense broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning with three runs against reliever Spencer Bivens. The San Diego bullpen made the three runs hold up, allowing just one run and the Padres walked away with a 3-1 win.
Padres News:
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Padres manager Craig Stammen told reporters that Joe Musgrove would likely not be on the Opening Day roster as he works back from Tommy John surgery. Musgrove has not pitched in a game since March 4 against Great Britain. Stammen said this delay was expected. Lincoln Zdunich of Gaslamp Ball says it is important that Musgrove takes the time now to get right and get healthy because the Padres will need him later in the season if they want to make the playoffs.
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With the news about Musgrove likely starting the season in the IL, the rotation picture for San Diego looks bleak. Michael King, Nick Pivetta and Randy Vasquez are all in the top three spots, but the fourth and fifth spots remain open. Gaslamp Ball asked readers what their level of concern is about the rotation with just a handful of days remaining before Opening Day.
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Despite the concerns about starting pitching, Thomas Conroy of Gaslamp Ball believes the Padres will compete with the Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks for second place in the National League West Division. He also does not rule out the possibility that San Diego could knock off the rivals to the north and claim the NL West title.
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Randhawa also talked with Stammen about the at-bat that almost was between Fernando Tatis Jr. and Mason Miller. Most baseball fans saw it as an opportunity that would have rivaled Shohei Ohtani versus Mike Trout, but Stammen said he was glad that two of his best players did not have to face off against one another in the 2-1 US win over the Dominican Republic in the semi-final of the WBC tournament.
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Jose Miranda has been putting together a solid Spring Training in his first season with the San Diego organization, and he has a chance to make the roster with Sung-Mun Song likely starting the season on the IL thanks to an oblique injury. Miranda has tough competition to make the Padres’ roster, but he is trying to make the most of his new opportunity.
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Stammen said weeks ago that Luis Campusano was going to be the secondary catcher for the Padres and that stance has not changed despite a lackluster performance in offense throughout Spring Training.
Baseball News:
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Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez looked as though he was going to miss time due to a sore shoulder, but he advised stated he is feeling “much better” and the team is considering him day-to day.
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Detroit Tigers top prospect Kevin McGonigle is having a great spring and is doing all he can to show that he should be on the Opening Day roster when the team opens the season against the Padres in San Diego.
WBC News:
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