Padres: Three spring surprises so far in Cactus League play
By Jake Misener
![(Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Ffriarsonbase-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1231563459-850x560-4c48184513e1f4ff987094669943602c.jpg)
Padres are loving what they’re getting from their starting pitchers
Now, I’m sure most of you don’t consider the dominance by San Diego’s starting rotation to be a surprise. But after an offseason that wrapped up with Friar Faithful envisioning confetti raining down this fall, a slow start or seeing guys adjusting to their new surroundings could have sent fans into a tailspin.
Instead, guys like Yu Darvish, Blake Snell and Joe Musgrove – along with right-hander Chris Paddack – have been lights-out, carving up opposing lineups on a daily basis. Darvish was dealing in his first start of the spring, Snell is looking sharp and, of all these guys, I think Paddack is the biggest story so far.
Combined, none of them have allowed a run yet. That won’t continue for three more weeks, but, man, it’s sure nice to enjoy in the meantime.
In a pair of Cactus League appearances, Paddack has tossed four scoreless frames in which he’s punched out a batter an inning. Given the questions surrounding his role and what exactly he’d look like coming into 2021, this has definitely been a welcome sight for all involved.
Next. The Padres have found a long-term leadoff hitter. dark
The only projected starter who hasn’t pitched in a game yet is Dinelson Lamet. But the news on that front is promising, as well, as the right-hander continues to check boxes on his road back to the mound. He’s experienced no setbacks and has the potential to be a big difference-maker this season for San Diego.