Padres News: Kemp and Upton Will Play in Spring Opener

By James Clark | Mar 3, 2015

The official lineup will not be posted until Wednesday morning, but San Diego Padres manager Bud Black revealed today Justin Upton and Matt Kemp will be in it. Black is obviously anxious to see the pair suited up and hitting in the Padres batting order. We will not have to wait much longer.

Wednesdays opener, 12:05 pm PST (live on MLB.TV) will be the Padres first opportunity to see their acquisitions in action. The whole city of San Diego is sure to be watching intently. Wednesday’s charity game will be the first game for both the Padres and their opponent the Seattle Mariners.

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In addition to Kemp and Upton, Bud Black also revealed that journeyman catcher Wil Nieves will be catching for Jason Lane. That gives the Padres a catching tandem consisting of a 37-year-old catcher and a 38-year-old pitcher. It is the first game after all.

The Padrs manage also indicated that Clint Barmes will be in the lineup to start the Cactus League opener. Alexi Amarista is still nursing a sore hamstring from his time in the Caribbean World Series. Barmes will probably be the starting shortstop against Clayton Kershaw and the Los Angeles Dodgers come opening day. Unless A.J. Preller has another trick up his sleeve. You never know.

Bud Black had already told the media that Cameron Maybin would start in center field and bat lead-off for the spring opener. We discussed that topic right here at friarsonbase, check it out here. The rest of the lineup will be posted Wednesday morning. Will shall see who else will make their spring debut.

It is really an exciting time to be a Padres fan and the first game action is just hours away. Be sure to check with us a friarsonbase, as we intend to give you nothing but quality San Diego Padres news 24/7.

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