Game Preview: Padres Kick Off Series With Twins

Jun 6, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres 1st baseman

(23) gets the out in the 1st inning during the game against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports

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It’s no secret Yonder Alonso struggled out of the gate this year. Then a month long DL stint gave him a chance to catch his breath and come back stronger than ever. Well he’s done just that hitting .300/.350/.450 in 8 games since coming off the DL.

While his play has improved, his standing with the club might not have. The Padre fist baseman watched Tommy Medica blossom into one of the team’s top bats this season. Yasmani Grandal also got a chance to take reps at first base, which could take away plate appearances from Alonso. The team has invested a lot in Alonso after shipping away All Star, Anthony Rizzo, to clear a lane for him, and now he has to prove he’s still the team’s best option going forward.

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The days could be numbered for Alonso as an everyday player here, so it’ll be interesting to see if he’ll play up or shrink in the face of adversity. He’ll be starting alongside both Medica and Grandal tonight and will have a chance to separate himself from the pack.