Padres Colin Rea Cooling Off After Hot Start To Spring

Colin Rea made his major league debut last season on August 11 and has a chance to stay in the starting rotation.

In six starts, he went 2-2 with a 4.26 ERA in his first season in the majors. In 31 2/3 innings, he allowed 29 hits and struck out 26. However, after getting off to a strong start this spring, Rea has struggled lately.

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In five starts this spring, the 25-year-old Rea has a 5.82 ERA with 5 no decisions. In 17 innings he has allowed 20 hits and 11 runs, while striking out 11. In his first three starts he had a 1.00 ERA in nine innings. He allowed nine hits and struck out three batters.

“He’s in position to give himself every opportunity to get this job right now,” Padres manager Andy Green said of Rea earlier this spring. “He’s done a very good job to this point.” (San Diego Union-Tribune)

On Thursday, Rea gave up six hits and five runs in three innings, while striking out three. The Padres lost 9-8 to the Arizona Diamondbacks and are now 7-14 this spring.

“I thought first inning, he was kind of up and out over a little bit,” Padres manager Andy Green said. “Then he started to attack a little bit more in, he was more down in the zone. Second inning, he gives up a run that, in my opinion, positioning thing that we’ll iron out in time and ball just kind of dribbles through the right side.” (San Diego Union-Tribune)

His skipper did not sound concerned though over his rough outing.

“I thought he was much better the last two innings,” Green said. “Seeing a guy rebound like that, that was a very good thing to see.” (San Diego Union-Tribune)

It is still very early to say whether Rea will have a good season or not, but the Padres need to give him time and likely will to see if he is capable of being a full-time starter. It will be very interesting to find out.

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Rea was drafted in the 12^th round (383^rd overall) by the Padres in 2011 out of Indiana State.

The Padres will begin the regular season on April 4 at Petco Park against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They will also play exhibition games against the Chicago White Sox at home on April 1st and 2nd before the regular season kicks off.