May 8, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher
Craig Kimbrel(left) celebrates with catcher
Derek Norrisfollowing the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Padres defeated the Diamondbacks 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Introduction
The Padres took to the road this week, traveling for 3 games in San Francisco before a four game series against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix. As has been an early theme of the season, the team seems to be struggling to click on all cylinders more consistently. They lose one game 6-0, then the next day explode offensively and win 9-1 before losing again the next day 11-0. Finally Friday night they played a good old fashioned one run game. That is the Padres baseball we are used to, isn’t it? While another member of the starting rotation went to the DL in Brandon Morrow, the Padres hoped they still had a starter ready to step in and take his place.
More players seem to be trying their hand at first base, with Wil Myers getting a start there on Friday night with Yonder Alonso hurt. He is not to the DL list yet, but what would the plan be if that happens? Alonso has been a nice offensive surprise in the early going this season, and certainly we hope this hand injury does not hurt him the rest of the way in what was turning out to be a nice rebound season.
Last week I talked about how the bullpen was struggling, so I’ll take a look to see how the bullpen fared this week. We also got our first look at catcher Austin Hedges who was called up last weekend and saw some progress from Jedd Gyorko over the weekend.
While the Padres are still above .500, I would be curious what A.J. Preller thinks of Bud Black‘s managing. A questionable move came up in Sunday’s game that cost the Padres a golden opportunity to score with the bases loaded and down by 1 so I will discuss that as well and invite your feedback.
Next: Giants Series Recap