Padres bullpen hit with three injuries as spring training progresses

After starting the spring with some very strong performances out of the bullpen, the San Diego Padres have quickly been hit with injuries to three arms hoping to make an impact in 2025. Sean Reynolds, Bryan Hoeing, and Cole Paplham, as reported by San Diego Union Tribune's Kevin Acee, are all dealing with injuries and expected to be out for various amounts of time.

Paplham, who was called up from Double-A San Antonio for the Spring, was hit in the face by a 102 MPH line drive off the bat of Dodgers Aaron Bracho in the eighth inning of Sunday's game. In a cruel move by the baseball gods, Paplham was also hit by a linedrive at the start of 2024 spring training, delaying his playing time in that campaign as well.

Hoeing expected to return Monday, Reynolds out with foot injury

After appearing in 18 games for San Diego in 2024, Hoeing was assured he would have a spot as an inning-eater in the Padres bullpen for 2025. On Sunday, Manager Mike Shildt revealed the 28-year-old reliever is dealing with a shoulder injury that the pitcher described as "barking" when he arrived at camp.

A scan revealed no structural or internal damage to Hoeing's right shoulder, but the Padres training staff will surely be careful in managing his return. Hoeing stated himself in an interview at spring training he was hoping to be ready by Opening Day, but would not push himself and risk further injury.

Reynolds, who made his MLB debut with San Diego in 2024 and appeared in nine games, was seen wearing a walking boot after sustaining a stress reaction in his right foot, according to Manager Mike Shildt.

Wearing the boot for at least the next week-and-a-half, Reynolds is expected to miss Opening Day, but should find a spot in the pen once he returns.

In a scary moment on Sunday, recent callup Paplham got struck in the face by a hard hit line drive, and was carted off with a towel held to his face. After being struck by a line drive early into 2024 spring training, the recent injury is another blow to the Padres top 30 prospect.

Paplham would stay on the ground for several minutes before walking to a golf cart to be taken for medical attention. Shildt stated in a post game interview the pitcher was alert and conscious, while recent updates have revealed a facial fracture suffered by Paplham. The pitcher will stay in concussion protocol after being discharged from the emergency room last night.