San Diego Padres Must Face Realities Concerning Starting Five

The progress of some of the San Diego Padres’ young pitchers hasn’t gone as some had planned this spring. That means actions must be taken to solidify the rotation heading into the season.

Some of the San Diego Padres’ pitching prospects, both ready for MLB action or not, haven’t progressed to the point where anyone is really comfortable with them starting the season in the rotation.

Guys like Luis Perdomo, Matt Strahm, and Robbie Erlin haven’t exactly impressed thus far. Dinelson Lamet is on the right path, as is Bryan Mitchell, but the Friars need to shore up their starting five, no doubt.

Aside from bringing in an available free-agent like Alex Cobb or making a likely-off-the-table-now trade for Chris Archer, AJ Preller and Andy Green will likely need to solve this problem in-house.

Luckily for the Padres, two veterans have emerged as viable options after a few weeks of Cactus League play.

Chris Young and Tyson Ross, two former and now-current Friars, have had themselves a couple of outstanding springs and could very well be in line for back-of-the-rotation spots.

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What to expect heading into the Padres’ season

If Young and Ross do indeed find themselves with MLB jobs come March 29th, all hope is not lost for seeing one of the above-mentioned Padres’ pitchers in San Diego before too long.

In all likelihood, one or two of those guys, if not more, will be on the Opening Day roster too.

Let’s say the initial rotation consists of Clayton Richard, Lamet, Ross, Young, and Mitchell.

Perdomo has already been rumored to be headed for El Paso if he can’t straighten out soon.

Robbie Erlin is still working his way back to 100%, although he’ll likely begin the year in Triple-A, as well.

Matt Strahm seems penciled into a spot in the Friars’ bullpen. His fireball heaters and biting breaking balls should play well out of the ‘pen.

Next: Thoughts on Backup Catcher Position

However this may all shake out, the Friars are definitely in a decent position when it comes to pitching. Though, it could always be better.