4 former Padres players who are failing miserably in spring training

While some current Padres players aren't doing so hot in spring training, they are not alone. There are plenty of former Friars who are struggling as the spring season nears its closing.

With Opening Day just around the corner, Josh Bell, Tommy Pham, Gary Sánchez, and Michael Wacha - remember these guys? - are each running out of time to get into a comfortable groove before the regular season commences.

These former San Diego Padres players are struggling in spring training

Josh Bell

It's been a wild ride for Josh Bell. In each of the last three seasons, he has suited up for two different teams. He was part of the trade that sent Juan Soto to San Diego in 2022, and since then, he hasn't found a permanent team to play on.

Back with the Nationals this year, Bell is hitting .171 in spring training entering Wednesday. He has also struck out 11 times in 25 at-bats.

Tommy Pham

Pham, who was an option at one point this offseason to fill a need at left field for the Padres, is now with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was with San Diego in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, logging a .226 average and 18 home runs in 186 combined games.

Entering Wednesday, Pham is a .121 hitter this spring (4-for-33), including a current 0-for-15 skid. He was enduring some hip tightness, but should be in full health moving forward.

Gary Sánchez

The 32-year-old catcher, famous for his power, has not shown much muscle this spring. In 11 games, he has yet to hit a home run. He doesn't have a single RBI yet, either, batting just .154 with the Baltimore Orioles.

Sánchez spent part of the 2023 campaign with San Diego, flexing 19 home runs in just 72 games. Since then, he has taken a dip in the home run department, muscling 11 homers with the Milwaukee Brewers last season.

Michael Wacha

Michael Wacha, to his credit, has been fantastic in each of his last three seasons. He has been on six different teams in each of the last six seasons, and finally, he has a home in Kansas City, where he will be for a second-straight campaign. Wacha was with the Padres in 2023 when he boasted an impressive 3.22 ERA in 24 starts before settling in with the Royals.

He's had his struggles this spring, though. In three appearances, Wacha has handed out 13 runs (11 earned) spanning eight innings. The home run ball has definitely been an issue, surrendering four total. Renowned for his changeup, if he cannot locate his best pitch, then those problems will continue. In the at-bats when he surrendered the home run, he was missing the zone on his changeups, which led to him predictably throwing a different pitch. This let the hitter essentially know what was coming.