San Diego Padres: MLB.com Predicts Starting Lineup

Yesterday, MLB.com released their starting lineup projections for every MLB team. They played it safe with the San Diego Padres, but probably got it right.

MLB.com has released their projected batting orders and starting rotations for every Major League Baseball team. You can view the full list here. As for the San Diego Padres, their projected lineup appears as such,

1. CF Manuel Margot
2. RF Wil Myers
3. 1B Eric Hosmer
4. LF Jose Pirela
5. 3B Chase Headley
6. 2B Carlos Asuaje
7. SS Freddy Galvis
8. C Austin Hedges

The biggest takeaway from this lineup is that it doesn’t feature outfielder Hunter Renfroe. As the acquisition of Eric Hosmer became more real, much of the discussion focused on Wil Myers and his move to left field. After Hosmer’s signing became official, it was revealed that Myers would play right field instead.

He’s been working out in right field since spring training games started last week, Renfroe’s primary position. The spring training battle to watch now appears to be in left field.

Having Margot, Myers, and Hosmer at the top of the order would be a pleasant sight. They are the three best hitters on the team and need as many at-bats as possible if the Padres want to win games. Freddy Galvis could be a solid option in the two hole if he can put up offensive numbers similar to last season which were the best of his career.

The only change I would make to this lineup would be Pirela’s spot. Hunter Renfroe needs to be in this lineup. Some fans want to make Renfroe the prized piece of a trade deal before the season starts, but it appears as if the majority of fans believe Renfroe deserves a shot. He’s the (potentially) biggest power-bat in the lineup and needs to be in it.

The San Diego Padres pitching staff leaves more questions than answers.

As for the starting rotation, here’s how it stacks up, according to MLB.com.

1. LHP Clayton Richard
2. RHP Bryan Mitchell
3. RHP Dinelson Lamet
4. RHP Luis Perdomo
5. RHP Tyson Ross

Like it or not, Clayton Richard is the “ace” of the staff and will, more than likely, be given the ball on Opening Day. Mitchell, Lamet, and Perdomo bring either injury concerns or a lack of a track record to accurately predict how they will perform in 2018.

The only spot in the rotation that appears up for grabs is the fifth and final spot. While I believe a lot of Padres’ fans would love to see a rejuvenated Tyson Ross throw with success this season, I don’t think he wins the battle.

LHP Matt Strahm has become the focus of local and national media since the Padres entered camp. Coming off a lower-body injury, Strahm is healthy and impressing manager Andy Green with his early bullpen sessions. He would also add more variety to a rotation heavy with right-handed pitchers. If you are a subscriber to The Athletic, Eno Sarris penned a fantastic piece on Strahm, you can read it here. ($) Sarris refers to Strahm as “this year’s secret weapon.”

Next: Give Matt Strahm The Job

If Tyson Ross has a healthy spring and throws like he did in his first start, give him the final spot. He signed to a minor-league deal so the risk is virtually non-existent. However, Strahm will surely find himself in the San Diego bullpen, waiting for his chance to take the fifth spot should Ross falter.