San Diego Padres showing off great pitching depth in spring training

We knew the San Diego Padres were stockpiling great pitching, but to see it on display in spring training has been quite impressive.

I know I should have written this a day earlier when the San Diego Padres pitching staff was leading all spring training teams in ERA.

But still, what Padres’ pitching has done through one-third of spring training is remarkable and just shows the depth of arms in this system.

Even after the big blow-up on Wednesday, which really only two pitchers gave up runs, the Padres are still tied for second in spring training with an ERA of 3.12 — just behind the New York Yankees at 3.09.

They’re holding hitters to just a .221 average and they’ve given up the fewest amount of walks with just 29 free passes in 98 innings (2.6 BB/9).

Their starting pitchers — Chris Paddack, Garrett Richards, Zach Davies, Joey Lucchesi, and Dinelson Lamet — have combined to give up 3 earned runs in 17 innings (1.59 ERA).

Pierce Johnson has been very sharp out of the bullpen with 4 scoreless innings pitched and 6 strikeouts, while allowing just 2 hits and a walk.

Michel Baez has looked really good as well giving up just 1 earned run on 3 hits and 2 walks over 6 innings with 5 strikeouts.

As a whole, the pitching staff has three shutouts in 11 spring training games. And they’ve given up three runs or less in seven games.

Now is when I remind you — and myself — that this is spring training and pitchers are typically ahead of the hitters this time of year.

But there is no denying how good the Padres pitching staff has looked to this point in the Spring. Everyday there are some exciting arms coming onto the field and they’re performing at a high level.

That’s especially true for the bullpen, which we knew was loaded, as every pitcher is fighting for a spot.

We’ll see how things work out over the next couple of weeks and into the regular season, but things sure are looking up for the Padres pitching staff right now.