San Diego Padres: Luis Urias Is Having Himself Quite A Spring

Luis Urias began this spring hoping to make an impression on the San Diego Padres’ coaching staff and front office. Over the first week of Spring Training, he’s done that and then some.

At the beginning of Spring Training, Luis Urias couldn’t have imagined he’d be getting the opportunities he has thus far. The San Diego Padres have been reluctant to add a true backup to shortstop Freddy Galvis. Maybe this is the plan Andy Green & Co. had in mind all along.

Over his last few seasons in MiLB, Urias has shown that he has a very specific set of skills. While power is most certainly not a huge part of his game, getting on-base and playing sparkling defense is.

Over the first week-or-so of Padres’ Cactus League games, Urias has been impressive. In twelve at-bats (including today’s game), he is 6 for 12 with an OPS of 1.433 and has scored three runs. If this isn’t what Andy Green was hoping to see from Luis Urias, I’m not sure what else he could be looking for.

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Should the Padres keep Urias down or bring him up?

Luis Urias has done all he can to show the San Diego Padres’ team brass that he’s ready to take the next step in his development.

The only problem is that there may not be a roster spot for him unless other moves are made.

Whether the Friars choose to move Chase Headley or one of the other talented players that are currently blocked by other, more talented players, is for another discussion on another day. All Green should be worried about is who is playing well.

If Franchy Cordero, Cory Spangenberg, and Christian Villanueva should all exceed expectations this spring and win starting jobs (unlikely, but walk with me), it would be because, in Andy Green’s judgment, they earned it.

Next: Padres Should Start Villanueva At Third

As I’ve said before, whoever gives this team the best chance to win is going to play. Andy Green has made this much clear time and time again over his tenure as the Friars’ skipper. Now he gets to put his money where his mouth is.