San Diego Padres: Starters Continue To Struggle

Earlier today, the San Diego Padres lost to the Chicago Cubs, 10-4. It was a forgettable day for two starters who are in the midst of a competition for the final rotation spot.

Things have continued to get worse for San Diego Padres RHP Jordan Lyles. Lyles lasted just one inning, giving up five earned runs on six hits. Opposing batters are now hitting .458 off Lyles, who has given up seven runs over five innings this spring.

LHP Matt Strahm didn’t fare much better. He fumbled away a chance to separate himself from the pack by giving up four earned runs and three hits in 1 1/3 innings. Here’s what Manager Andy Green had to say about Strahm’s outing,

“The first inning was outstanding. … He came out like a bulldog in the first inning. In the second inning, he was feeling it a little bit and searching for it. That’s part of getting stretched out, part of the growth process, getting healthy again.”

I bought into the early hype over Matt Strahm once he began working out without restrictions. There’s no doubt that he has the most upside of everyone competing for the final rotation spot (between Lyles, Robbie Erlin, Tyson Ross, Chris Young, Colin Rea, Walker Lockett, and Colten Brewer). A bullpen role appears more suitable to Strahm, at the moment, until he can build up his stamina.

The new darling of camp seems to be RHP Robert Stock. According to Jeff Sanders of the SDUT, Stock’s fastball consistently hit 96-98 mph.

Stock entered the second inning after Lyles had already given up five runs in the inning. He stopped the bleeding by striking out two pretty decent ballplayers, Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. Proof or it didn’t happen, right? Even though today’s game wasn’t broadcasted, the San Diego Padres’ social media department came in clutch.

Next: Can Raffy Lopez Win The Backup Catcher Job?

San Diego returns to your TV on Friday as the Padres take on the Chicago White Sox. Clayton Richard will get the start for the Friars.