Padres can't hurt development of emerging outfielder on MLB roster

Are the Padres holding Brandon Lockridge back? The 28-year-old outfielder has been full healthy for two weeks now, and yet, the Friars are not using Lockridge as often as they should. Granted, Lockridge does not hit left-handed pitching well in the early going of his big league career, but if he continues to see other players get reps in when he could be developing, then he will never be able to hit lefties at a respectable pace.

Lockridge seemed to be getting his playing time increased, getting slotted in the lineup in back-to-back games against the Angels and the Mariners. But, manager Mike Shildt elected to sit Lockridge, even with two right-handers starting on Saturday and Sunday. Lockridge has only played in 35 MLB games for his career, and it might be time for the coaching staff to let him see consistent at-bats.

Since Lockridge's return from a left hamstring strain, he is hitting 6-for-23 (.261) dating back to May 2. Jason Heyward, who is taking up some playing time from Lockridge, is 4-for-30 (.133) with seven strikeouts over this span. Is there really a need to give Heyward these reps?

Lockridge is a far-better defender and runner than Heyward, landing in the 88th percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA) and in the 98th percentile in sprint speed. Those are two much-needed tools for the Padres, who are struggling defensively in left field this year. Let Lockridge roam the corner outfield spot, and that defensive unit of him, Jackson Merrill, and Fernando Tatis Jr. could be the best in the National League.

He is 8-for-8 to begin his career in stolen bases attempts, including six this year. The potential is there for Brandon Lockridge, and the slow burn of inconsistently playing him needs to come to a halt. The best way for a player to develop, especially on offense, is for them to constantly see Major League pitching. If Lockridge is above-average everywhere else on the field, then he won't be a liability.

Of the 10 games he has played since his return, Lockridge has logged one plate appearance two separate times, and two plate appearances twice. This is inhibiting him from growing as a hitter. In those games when he had one plate appearance, Lockridge is 2-for-2 with two runs, one RBI, one double, and one stolen base.

Padres fans want to see more of that.