Another Padres pitching prospect is making a strong case for himself to earn a roster spot

Flying relatively under the radar in the ranks of a Padres farm system full of talent, Ryan Bergert has made himself known in his two spring training appearances. A non-roster invite called up from Double-A San Antonio, 24-year-old Bergert had a 4.78 ERA in 23 starts with the Missions in 2024, but has yet to allow a base runner in two impressive starts at Padres camp.

Bergert climbing the ranks in Padres rotation competition

Still without a concrete starting rotation, the San Diego Padres are looking for their fifth starter, with Bergert competing with a number of other arms for the role. Coming off a 2024 where his ERA and WHIP at 1.35 were both relatively high, Bergert looked to be a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, but Manager Mike Shildt and Pitching Coach Ruben Niebla will be forced to consider him after his performances.

HIs first start of the spring came against the Mariners in the Padres spring opener, Bergert would work a 1-2-3 inning against three MLB players in J.P. Crawford, Julio Rodriguez, and Cal Raleigh. Another impressive outing on Wednesday against the White Sox would see Bergert go two innings, giving up no base runners while striking out two.

Throwing just 22 pitches in Wednesday's outing, Bergert has been efficient in both starts, heavily relying on a four-seam and slider combo, while occasionally mixing in a sweeper and changeup. Undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2021 before being drafted by San Diego, Bergert has quickly moved his way up the farm system, becoming the Padres 25th ranked prospect in 2024.

Now getting a chance to show off his stuff, Bergert has made the most of it, and has become one of the bright spots at Padres camp. Along with other impressive prospects like Bradgley Rodriguez, San Diego looks to be set up with pitching depth for the future.

Even with his two strong outings, Bergert still has plenty of competition, and plenty of room to improve. Matt Waldron has impressed in his two starts this spring, while recent addition Kyle Hart is coming off an award winning season in Korea. Other possible fifth starter options include Randy Vasquez, who spent time in the role in 2024, and Henry Baez, another Double-A call up and a top 10 Padres prospect in 2024.