San Diego Padres: Players whose stock rose in week two of spring training

The San Diego Padres have several roster battles and saw these players’ stock increase as a result of their play in the second week of spring training.

Week two is in the books, and after Saturday, the San Diego Padres have an 11-3 record in spring training. This spring, in particular, has been great primarily due to the position battles for the few roster spots that available. The team has a different look under Jayce Tingler from previous seasons under Andy Green.

Through 14 games, the Padres have made just one error, that coming from Ty France way back in the third game. The fundamentals can make a huge difference and have the potential to add a couple of more wins in what figures to be a highly-competitive NL West division.

As far as week two of spring training goes, the Padres went 5-2, with losses to the Kansas City Royals and Arizona Diamondbacks. The latter is going to be the team’s primary competition for a potential playoff spot, as the Los Angeles Dodgers are heavily favored to win the division.

Let’s look at a few players who stood out this past week.

Jason Vosler

Uh, Jason Volser is going to be a thing in 2020. After developing through the Chicago Cubs minor league system, the 26-year-old has yet to make his Major League debut. He was one of our standouts last week as well, and he continues to hit. In 12 starts, Vosler has a .421/.500/.737 line with three doubles, one home run, and six RBI.

I think it was a foregone conclusion that Jake Cronenworth would be the backup infielder on the 26-man roster this year, but it’s been Vosler that has dazzled. The roster battle between these two will be phenomenal to monitor as we head into the second half of spring training.

Wil Myers

I am here for the Wil Myers Revenge Tour. Heavily scrutinized and linked to trade rumors the past two years, the 29-year-old Myers looks relaxed in spring, slashing a combined .409/.458/1.000 in eight starts. He leads the team in total bases with 22, aided by two doubles, one triple, and three home runs.

Could friction with former manager Andy Green have played a role in his decline?

Abraham Almonte

Abraham Almonte is back for his second stint with the Padres. The 30-year-old journeyman has left his personal troubles behind him. A legitimate case can be made for him to have a role on the big league roster. He has one minor-league option left, so if a crowded outfield pushes him to El Paso, Almonte may have an opportunity to contribute later in the year.

That said, he’s had a marvelous spring, slashing .368/.478/.789 with two home runs, one triple, and one home run – a grand slam last Tuesday against the Brewers – and is second to only Myers in total bases (15).

Dinelson Lamet

Dinelson Lamet is showcasing why he’s being pegged as a dark horse for the Cy Young Award. The 27-year-old returned from Tommy John surgery to make 14 starts last year, and his secondary pitches are going to turn some heads.

In two spring starts, Lamet has tossed 5.0 innings while allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out eight. He’s projected to be the Padres number two starter this season, but he could potentially pitch like an ace.

Javy Guerra

Failed shortstop turned relief pitcher, Javy Guerra is proving his case for one or two of the available bullpen spots. He tossed just 8.2 innings last season and struck out six while allowing three home runs and three walks.

In four appearances this spring, Guerra has tossed 3.2 innings while allowing just three hits and four strikeouts. Do the Padres trust him enough to give him a spot in the bullpen?