3 most surprising first impressions at Padres spring training 2025

The San Diego Padres have now played five spring training games, and sit with a 2-3 record after falling to the Angels on Tuesday, 2-1. In a game that was scoreless until the eighth inning, Padres pitching impressed for a majority of the game, with eight total pitchers taking the bump.

One of those pitchers was Bradgley Rodriguez, a name who has impressed fans and the Padres coaching staff in his limited time with the Padres. As San Diego searches for a finalized roster before Opening Day, Rodriguez and a few other players are using the opportunity at spring training to their full advantage.

Bradgley Rodriguez

Appearing in two games so far this spring, the 21-year-old from Petare, Venezuela is yet to allow a baserunner. Although both of his appearances have only been one inning, Rodriguez has impressed the coaching staff with his high 90's fastball/sinker combo, and a wipeout slider that has proven an effective strikeout pitch.

Rodriguez, who spent the 2024 season with Double-A San Antonio, is now fighting for the Padres last remaining bullpen spot after another strong performance, this time against the Angels. Striking out one in his one inning of work, Rodriguez could see himself on the major league roster after injuries to three Padres relievers.

Oscar Gonzalez

A free agent signed to a minor league contract after the Cleveland Guardians let him walk, Oscar Gonzalez has been a revelation at Padres camp. The 6-foot-4, 240lb outfielder last spent time in the MLB with the Guardians in 2023, playing in 54 games and putting up a .214/.239/.312 slash line.

In 11 at-bats so far this spring, Gonzalez has five hits, two RBIs and two runs scored for a 1.091 OPS. Playing primarily in right field, the 27-year-old from the Dominican Republic has impressed Manager Mike Shildt, who admits the coaching staff is still getting to know the recently acquired player. With Fernando Tatis Jr. still working up to full strength after dealing with the flu, Gonzalez has the opportunity to show off what he's got with little competition around him.

Stephen Kolek (kind of...)

Looking to transition from the bullpen to a starting role, Stephen Kolek, 27, turned heads in his first appearance of the spring on Tuesday. Although this may not be an exact first impression for San Diego, having seen Kolek on the mound in relief roles in 2024, this is the first time he has been seen as a starter. Going two innings against the Angels, Kolek struckout two while giving up two hits and no runs. Joining the Padres as a two-pitch reliever, Kolek has now developed a five pitch arsenal, and looks to emulate the success of Michael King, who also moved from the pen to a starting role after becoming a Padre.

Manager Mike Shildt was impressed with what he saw out of Kolek on Tuesday, citing his control in his first ever start as a positive sign

"Loved the attack, loved the stuff, loved the fact that he filled up the zone," Shildt said in a post game interview. "He looked in control, I thought he did a nice job."

Kolek will be battling it out with at least three other pitchers for the fifth starting role, including Randy Vasquez, Matt Waldron, and Kyle Hart. San Diego is back in action on Wednesday against the White Sox, with Double-A invitee Ryan Bergert getting the start. If Bergert has another strong start, his name could be in the mix as well.