San Diego Padres: Pitchers and Catchers Report to Spring Training

The quest for contention in 2017 has officially begun for the San Diego Padres. On Tuesday, the pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Peoria.

The excitement of a new season is officially among us. Several members of the San Diego Padres have arrived at the spring training complex in Peoria, Arizona. Tuesday was the day for pitchers and catchers to report, the first day of the calendar year fans truly look forward to.

The Padres kept fans updated on the action all day long on twitter and snapchat, and Gaslamp Ball provided fans with a brief overview.

The day started with sightings of Christian Bethancourt and Alan Zinter. Shortly after, the presumptive starting catcher Austin Hedges strolled in with his morning coffee.

Following the entrance of the two catchers, relievers Ryan Buchter, Brandon Maurer, and Robbie Erlin were sighted entering the facility.

Finally, it was even some position players who were not required to show up Tuesday who came early to get some extra work in. Outfielder Manuel Margot, the team’s second ranked prospect, was among these players.

As much as the day was about pitchers and catchers reporting, the club was able to catch a glimpse of some of their young stars getting some early work in.

Hedges got some early work behind the dish, something fans are going to get used to seeing in 2017.

And Margot took to the plate in order to get some extra work in an area he wishes to improve upon this season.

The day then concluded with manager Andy Green’s comments to the media, his first press conference of spring training. While there was a lot of excitement, naturally, as a result of the beginning of spring training, the second year skipper kept matters strictly to business.

As for what the day actually means for the players, many will be getting physicals done and beginning to loosen. There is no official workout scheduled for the pitchers and catchers until Wednesday, so Tuesday was a day devoted to moving in, getting loose, and most of all, taking the first official step in the 2017 season.

Next: Built for the Long Term or Built to Crash and Burn?

The full squad will report Friday, and the first full team workout is scheduled for Saturday.

Stay tuned to Friars on Base as we continue to follow Padres spring training!