San Diego Padres: Regular Starters Nearing Return

The San Diego Padres have won five-straight series, without a large portion of their regular starting lineup.

After watching the San Diego Padres play through the first two months of their schedule, it appeared as if fans were destined for an extremely long summer. Pile on injuries to Austin Hedges, Wil Myers, Franchy Cordero, and Joey Lucchesi and surely even the most optimistic fan began turning their attention to 2019.

It’s now June 14th and the Padres have won five-straight series, taking care of the Miami Marlins (twice), Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals.

More good news (maybe) is on the horizon for Padres fans. Austin Hedges, who hit the DL with elbow tendonitis back on May 1st, appears to be healthy again, as he rehabs with the High-A Lake Elsinore Storm. He is 2-6 with one walk and one strikeout in two games.

Hedges is a part of the “first-wave” of talent that needs to prove whether or not he has a role as an everyday player, moving forward. Before going on the DL, Hedges was hitting .173 with 30 strikeouts in 75 at-bats in the Padres lineup.

San Diego Padres outfield jam set to become more congested.

The team announced that outfielders Wil Myers and Franchy Cordero are both beginning their rehab assignments Thursday night in El Paso, meaning a few people won’t have a roster spot in the coming days.

The “Manuel Margot To AAA” crowd is, hopefully, silenced at this point. Don’t expect to see Franmil Reyes and his nearly 40% strikeout rate with the Padres once Myers/Cordero return to the lineup.

Myers will be a welcomed return to the offense (defense is another question). Numerous injuries have limited him to just 40 at-bats this season, hitting .300 in his brief season. While there has been an uptick in fans suggesting the team trade Myers, it’s hard to fathom the Padres part ways with their best offensive performer over the last two seasons.

More pitching help is on the way, as well.

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While “Johnny Wholestaff” has been fantastic for the Padres over the last few weeks, Joey Lucchesi is finally on his way back to the starting rotation. He’s making his first rehab start tonight (June 14th) for the Lake Elsinore Storm. He will face fellow rehabbing major leaguer, Rich Hill. Before his injury, Lucchesi was on pace to put up one of the best rookie pitching performances in San Diego history. There’s still plenty of baseball for him to showcase his

Down in San Antonio, Phil Maton is quickly working his way back into the Padres bullpen. Before he went down, Maton had a 0.56 ERA in 16 innings. Even if the Padres aren’t big sellers at the trade deadline, they should be able to bring in a much-needed piece or two by dealing one of their bullpen arms. With Jose Castillo, Brad Hand, Adam Cimber, Craig Stammen, Kirby Yates, Matt Strahm, and even Phil Hughes ALL pitching well, San Diego can afford to let at least one go to a contending team willing to overpay.

Next: To Trade Or Not To Trade: Brad Hand

A lot of big names getting ready to return to the lineup for San Diego. Will AJ Preller make a big, unexpected move? Or will the El Paso Chihuahuas be receiving a roster overhaul?