Padres News: Tommy Pham exits game with team trainer

Did an outfielder just become the biggest need for the Padres?

The Padres may have just lost two players to elbow injuries in consecutive days. After Kirby Yates tossed just six pitches in Friday night’s outing before leaving the game, Tommy Pham just did the same in the top half of the second inning on Saturday. Pham fielded a soft single into left field, and he threw it back in with an awkward throwing motion.

Something was obviously not right, and the trainer immediately came out.

On a night that was supposed to be celebrated with Cal Quantrill getting a deserving start, and Fernando Tatis Jr. homering from the three-spot in the batting order in the first inning, the Pham injury news puts a damper on this game regardless if the Padres win.

Pham, 32, was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays along with Jake Cronenworth in the offseason, hoping to help the Padres improve their ability to get on-base. With the NL having the universal DH this season, Pham has played nine games from the position, which makes you wonder if the Padres knew more than they were leading on.

Pham’s elbow was a big contention in the trade back in December with Padres general manager AJ Preller reportedly having made several contingencies in the deal. The Rays denied that to be true, but it’s obvious the Friars inherited damaged goods.

Assuming a worst-case scenario in which Pham misses the remainder of the season, the attention now shifts to who might see the most time in left field. Perhaps that’s on the immediate radar at the trade deadline. We’ll provide updates as they come in.

UPDATE:

Phew! He’s reportedly dealing with cramping in both calves. Get well soon, Tommy.