Padres’ 1B/LF Matt Clark Optioned to Triple-A

Matt Clark did just about everything he could have done to earn a spot on the major league roster.  Unfortunately, as I wrote about before, he really never had a shot.  Even with Carlos Quentin‘s injury, and the nagging shoulder pain for Kyle Blanks, the power-hitting Clark will not be starting the season in San Diego.  Instead, he will be starting the season in Tucson.

Matt Clark hit .419.447/.767 with four home runs this spring.  He had 43 at-bats, but used primarily as a late-game replacement at first base for Yonder Alonso or Jesus Guzman.  The team seems intent on Clark playing first base rather than left field.

Clark has had success at every level of the game.  His minor league career numbers are .279/.357/.491 with 80 home runs in four seasons.  He has the power, he can hit for average, and he gets on base.  Like most power hitters though, Clark strikes out a lot.  He has a strikeout to walk ratio of almost 4.

At 25 years old, and with an incredible spring behind him, it is not clear what the Padres intend to do with Clark in the future.  He may eventually be traded, or he may get a shot on the bench with the major league club.  Right now, though, the Padres are content with their options in left field and first base.

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