San Diego Padres: Saturday Hangover Aches And Pains

Over the last 24 hours, no good news has come from the San Diego Padres.

This weekend was supposed to be a refreshing one. A full slate of baseball games returning to our TVs, a new elite prospect to follow down in the minors, and another shot of optimism about the immediate future of the San Diego Padres franchise.

While many fans were sad to see Brad Hand and Adam Cimber leave, when it comes to bullpen pitchers, the Padres absolutely made the right decision in selling high with these two particular pieces. No one is quite sure whether or not Cimber will still be an effective reliever in three-four years and how often do we see elite closers turn into massive liabilities (spending a period of time in Baltimore, Jim Johnson always comes to my mind here).

These last 60-plus games were now about one thing, taking a deep and honest look at each and every player on the active roster and asking whether or not they have a role with this team next season. Of course, that’s what this entire season has been about, however, many injuries were now healed, adjustments made (most notably Margot’s), and the reset button pushed, brought on by the break.

Now, here we are, on a Saturday morning with an appropriately titled article. Star prospect Fernando Tatis Jr.exited a recent San Antonio Missions game with a thumb injury, after sliding into second base. It appears as if he could be lost for the remainder of the season.

This isn’t disastrous news, by any stretch. It’s unfortunate that fans won’t be able to turn on MiLB.TV and watch his silky defense, quick bat, and home run drives any more this season, however, he was never going to get a call-up this season. Let’s just hope the injury is nothing extremely serious. Andy Green commented last night that he believes it may be an injury similar to one he suffered, which caused him to miss two months. If that’s the case, the minor league season will be over by then.

Manuel Margot also goes down with an injury.

In the eighth inning of last night’s game in Philadelphia, center fielder Manuel Margot suffered this unfortunate injury.

No official announcement has been made concerning the injury, however, it could not come at a worse time. It could be nothing serious and we see Margot return after a day or two of treatment. He has already avoided the DL due to a wrist injury once this season.

As I highlighted in the series preview post yesterday, no one on this team was hotter than Margot, going into Friday night. The injuries were finally behind him, changes were made to his swing, and the progress in all phases of his game were clearly visible (ok, maybe not on the basepaths but at least he was getting on base).

San Diego Padres fall hard to Philadelphia Phillies

The top of the first inning was glorious. Carlos Asuaje, Wil Myers, and Freddy Galvis all produced RBI base hits, giving the Padres a quick 4-0 lead.

That would be the only excitement of the game, as the Phillies would pile on 11 runs off 12 hits to take home an 11-5 victory.

Eric Hosmer went 0-5 at the plate. Christian Villanueva went 0-4 with two strikeouts. Clayton Richard gave up seven earned runs and four walks in three innings of work. Finally, Robert Stock, who was called up again yesterday, gave up four runs on six hits in two-thirds of an inning.

Trying to recap last night’s game isn’t helping the throbbing headache, so that about sums it up.

Next: Francisco Mejia In SoCal

Luis Perdomo will take the mound tonight in game two of the series. First pitch is once again scheduled for 4:05 pm. Vince Velasquez will throw for Philadelphia. He is 5-8 with a 4.39 ERA this season.