San Diego Padres Face Offensive Conundrum Ahead of Opening Day
The San Diego Padres find themselves in a challenging position as they prepare for the upcoming season without key players Jurickson Profar and Ha-Seong Kim. The departure of Profar to the Atlanta Braves and Kim to the Tampa Bay Rays has necessitated a reshuffling of the team’s lineup, particularly in the infield.
Luis Arraez Steps Up as Full-Time First Baseman
With the absence of Profar and Kim, Luis Arraez is set to take on the role of the full-time first baseman for the Padres. Arraez, who previously served as the team’s designated hitter in a significant number of games last season, will now primarily man first base. Known for his batting prowess, Arraez secured his third consecutive batting title and will be a crucial asset in the Padres’ offensive strategy.
Infield Rotation and DH Dilemma
Manager Mike Shildt faces the challenge of managing the workload of key players such as Jake Cronenworth, Xander Bogaerts, and Manny Machado, who will occasionally be rested by serving as the team’s designated hitter. However, there remains uncertainty regarding a permanent solution for the designated hitter position, with Shildt emphasizing the need for flexibility and rotating players to keep them fresh.
Candidates for DH Role
The Padres are considering several options to fill the designated hitter spot, including Connor Joe, Gavin Sheets, Jason Heyward, and the recently acquired Yuli Gurriel. Heyward and Joe are expected to share playing time in left field, while Sheets and Gurriel will need to impress during training camp to be considered for the designated hitter role. The team aims to distribute the designated hitter duties among players based on defensive assignments, allowing for rotation and rest opportunities.
Seeking Offensive Surprises
General manager A.J. Preller acknowledges the need for additional offensive firepower and anticipates potential surprises in the left field and designated hitter mix. With a focus on enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities, the Padres remain open to bolstering their lineup in the lead-up to the season, aiming to maintain a competitive edge in the challenging National League.