San Diego Padres: Freddy Galvis is Heating Up for the Friars

The San Diego Padres late inning rally sealed the deal on the series win in Pittsburgh, and to no one’s surprise, Freddy Galis was part of the equation.

When the San Diego Padres first acquired Freddy Galvis this offseason from the Phillies, they were hoping, much like Eric Hosmer, that he would be a piece to build around. Well, Galvis’ time to shine has officially arrived. In the top of the ninth, with the game tied at five, Galvis put down a beautiful bunt that popped awkwardly to Felipe Vazquez.

A run came home to score regardless, but because of Galvis’s hustle out of the box,  and the Pirate’s negligence in covering first base, he would arrive there safely.  Which set the table for a four-run 9th inning and a comeback victory in the Steel City.

Over the past seven games, he’s been spectacular. Putting up a slash line of .333 /.346/.542. He officially broke out of his prolonged slump on May 15th where he put up a total of five hits over the course of two games.

And I think what’s most important to note here, is that Andy Green let him play through it. He continued to give Galvis his time on the field and now it’s more than paying off for the Padres.

More from Friars on Base

• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
• Padres got steal with Xander Bogaerts after Carlos Correa’s mega-deal

Thriving when it counts

Though his success today in the top of the ninth should come as no surprise. So far this year, with a runner on third, Galvis has an OPS of 1.500.

He’s good at getting himself on base when it counts. Whether that be putting the ball in play to get that runner home, or, taking the walk and setting the table to keep the inning going.

And while his recent success might have some thinking he should be bumped a bit in the batting order, it’s actually better to keep him right where he is. Galvis is the perfect late threat in the six or seven-spot in the lineup.

He thrives there. His current OPS when in the seven spot is currently .816. Imagine working your way through the top of the order that is Travis Jankowski, Hosmer, and Christian Villanueva, only now to have to worry about the fury that Galvis could possibly unleash just several spots later.

Next: Jose Pirela And His Lack Of Home Runs

It’s all clicking right now. For Galvis, for the Padres, this is going to be a fun team to keep an eye on over the next few seasons. Don’t be surprised when they climb their way out of the cellar of the NL West.