Padres: Three spring surprises so far in Cactus League play

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.

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.