Padres fall to Cubs as Randy Vasquez makes first spring training appearance

The Padres dropped their second spring training game in as many days, losing to the Chicago Cubs 10-5 in another game that would have been a lot closer had it not been for one throw away inning. Randy Vasquez, who is competing for the Padres fifth spot in the rotation, made his first appearance on the mound, while starters Xander Bogaerts, Jackson Merrill, and Manny Machado all got playing time.

Recent minor league signing Oscar Gonzalez continues to impress at the place, while San Diego native Connor Joe is still searching for his first hit of the spring.

Vasquez performance may have opened door for another starter

Taking the mound against a makeshift Cubs line up consisting of multiple aging veterans, Vasquez would give up three hits in the first inning, but come out unscathed after loading the bases. The second would see more baserunners given up by Vasquez, bringing his total up to five hits and one earned run allowed in two innings of work.

After the Nick Pivetta and Kyle Hart additions, Vasquez was looking for a strong performance to get his name into the fifth starter discussion. Matt Waldron's performance against the Athletics, also giving up one run in two innings of work, places the two fringe starters in a similar boat. Both seemingly replaced by the pitcher additions, Vasquez and Waldron will have to keep the number of base runners down if they want a spot in the rotation.

The game would be tied at two a piece heading into the sixth inning, but a rough outing from minor league signing J.B. Wendelken, giving up five earned runs in 0.2 innings would blow the game open for the Cubs. Ron Marinaccio, recently traded from the White Sox, would pitch another scoreless inning in his second appearance of the spring.

On the offensive side of things, Gonzalez continues to impress, notching another hit and scoring a run. His fifth hit in four games, Gonzalez started the game in right field before being replaced in the sixth. Looking to make the roster as a utility/bench option, Gonzalez should be catching the eye of the Padres coaching staff after an impressive few games.

Merrill and Bogaerts would both pick up hits, while Eguy Rosario would finish with one hit and two RBI's. Another utility man searching for a spot, Niko Goodrum would reach base in all three of his plate appearances, working two walks and doubling.