3 key takeaways from Padres first spring training game of the year

The San Diego Padres played, and won, their first spring training game of the year on Friday, beating the Mariners 5-2 thanks to some standout performances from a number of guys. As the team looks to sort out a number of roster questions in the coming weeks from utility depth to bullpen arms, Manager Mike Shildt got a good look at some of the players vying for those spots.

Gavin Sheets impresses in win

Signed on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, the four-year veteran looked comfortable in his two trips to the plate as the Padres designated hitter, knocking a double in both at-bats. Also recording an RBI and a run scored, Gavin Sheets was one of the Padres most productive players on Friday. Sheets, who is looking to win a spot as a utility/bench role, could find himself with even more playing time if he can keep up this success.

Able to play first base as well, Sheets could be a valuable asset to San Diego in 2025, taking some games at first to give Luis Arraez or Connor Joe time off. Facing competition against veteran utility men Mike Brosseau and Niko Goodrum, Sheets was by far the best of the three. His true evaluation will happen when he gets playing time at first base, which could solidify his spot on the roster if he performs well.

The Connor Joe addition is AJ Preller at his best

Another new Padre making his debut on Friday, Connor Joe does not need to worry about making the major league roster barring an extreme setback. Joe showed his patience at the plate, working two walks in three plate appearances and scoring one run. Signed to be an option at first and in left field, Joe played the entire game at first, and was solid defensively.

A San Diego native who grew up a Padres fan, Joe looks to be another Donovan Solano or David Peralta type of signing by AJ Preller, but with seemingly much more upside. Much like Sheets, Joe's ability to play two positions the Padres need depth at will make him an asset of utmost importance. If he goes down to an injury, the Padres are down to one MLB proven left fielder in Jason Heyward, and would lose a major piece of infield depth.

Padres pitching depth on full display

Using nine different pitchers, the Padres held the Mariners to just two runs on two hits. Ryan Bergert, a recent Double-A callup from San Antonio, got the start and made quick work of three of Seattle's best hitters in an 11 pitch first inning.

An impressive debut from Bradgley Rodriguez highlighted how deep into the farm San Diego can go to find talented arms. Striking out Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver while inducing a ground out from Randy Arozarena, Rodriguez showed off a high 90's fastball and wipeout slider combo.

Other impressive debuts came from Omar Cruz and Eduarniel Nunez, both producing 1-2-3 innings in their time on the mound. Both coming from the Triple-A level, Cruz and Nunez may not start the year on the MLB roster, but will provide options in the minors for San Diego to call upon when needed.