San Diego Padres: MacKenzie Gore Makes 2018 Debut Tonight

A lot of attention will be turned toward Fort Wayne, Indiana tonight as San Diego Padres top prospect, MacKenzie Gore, makes his much anticipated 2018 debut tonight.

In the grand scheme of things, tonight’s start doesn’t mean a lot. It’s just one start in full-season A-ball for a 19-year-old pitcher who is still fresh out of high school. However, San Diego Padres fans can’t help but to be excited over MacKenzie Gore making his 2018 debut tonight.

Last year’s first round pick started seven games in the Arizona League in 2017. Tossing 21 innings, Gore struck out 34 hitters while walking just seven and giving up 14 hits. Now, Gore finds himself in full-season ball after skipping over short-season rookie ball.

The San Diego Padres plan to be aggressive with Gore’s development plan, moving him up the ladder quickly. According to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Padres are not placing an innings limit on Gore this season, but fans can expect to see him throw around 120 innings in 2018.

The TinCaps have dropped their first five decisions this season despite having an immense amount of talent up and down the roster. It’s only a matter of time before this team breaks out. Why not tonight? The excitement of Gore is sure to draw a large crowd and generate a lot of excitement in the clubhouse.

Unfortunately, fans won’t be able to watch the game tonight on MiLB.tv, as Fort Wayne home games are not televised. However, if you aren’t in the Fort Wayne area, you can listen to the game through their website.

In case you need some Mackenzie Gore in your life now, check out this footage from last season, thanks to Chris Kusiolek, the newest scout for the San Diego Padres.

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If you happen to be at the game tonight, we would love some photos and footage! Just tag us on Twitter @FriarsOnBase!