2 Padres players who've played their way onto Opening Day roster, 2 who played their way off

This spring, the San Diego Padres haven't been very successful on the field, donning a 5-14 record entering Friday. That mark places them last in the Cactus League, but Friars fans can still look beyond the standings to separate the good from the bad.

There have been some surprises from some players, while others are quietly removing themselves from the spotlight. With Opening Day just a few weeks away, Tirso Ornelas and Gavin Sheets have played their way this spring for a deserved spot on the 25-man roster, while Matt Waldron and Tyler Wade will likely be kept off at first.

Two Padres who have played their way onto 2025 Opening Day roster

Tirso Ornelas

The Padres need one more reliable outfielder. Ornelas, 24, came into spring trainining on the brink of being MLB ready. With Jason Heyward likely to start in left field, San Diego doesn't have any other choice but to consider giving Ornelas some time at that position as well.

Ornelas comes into Friday's game with 11 hits - including five for extra bases - and six walks in 16 games. He's only struck out three times, too, leaving a tremendous impression on manager Mike Shildt.

Gavin Sheets

Sheets was signed to a minor league contract this season with the Padres. He has been a diamond discovered in the rough, though after struggling to develop his power with the Chicago White Sox. Entering Friday, Sheets has five home runs and two doubles, which gives him a 1.019 OPS in 15 games with his new club.

He can play first base, corner outfield, or designated hitter. His versatility, on top of his noticeably improved success at the plate, should give him a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Two Padres who have played their way off 2025 Opening Day roster

Matt Waldron

After a strong start to spring training, Waldron's most recent outings have gotten a bit derailed. In his first two starts, he surrendered just one run across five combined innings, walking just one batter.

In his last two appearances, he's given up 10 runs (eight earned) on six hits and six walks, recording just 13 outs during this stretch. Waldron, who was optioned to Triple-A El Paso at the end of the 2024 regular season, cannot afford to get roughed up in spring training. If the front office's faith in him already isn't there, then he needs to pitch well each time out. It's not going that way for him at the moment, but he still has some time before more roster cuts are made.

Tyler Wade

There isn't much room for Tyler Wade on the roster as it is, but the Padres showed some level of confidence by signing a deal with him this offseason. He hasn't quite performed in the spring, however, and is batting .192 through his first 11 contests. Known to be a solid runner, he's 1-for-2 in stolen base attempts. If he wanted a spot on the MLB roster on Opening Day, he probably needs a few more stolen bases to his name, similar to Brandon Lockridge, who is 5-for-6 in attempts in spring training.