Padres lose crucial outfielder for start of playoffs

The San Diego Padres’ postseason push just took a significant hit. After months of building momentum and finally clinching a playoff berth, the club learned it will be without one of its most versatile outfielders to start October. Ramón Laureano, is now sidelined at the worst possible time.

San Diego has leaned heavily on its depth this season, especially after acquiring Ramón Laureano and Ryan O’Hearn at the trade deadline to stabilize the roster. The Padres have shuffled pieces through the outfield and bench to stay competitive in the NL West race, but depth only stretches so far. Losing Laureano doesn’t just remove an experienced glove and veteran bat from the equation; it also disrupts the balance of the lineup against opposing pitching staffs.

San Diego loses Ramón Laureano for opening playoff series

Laureano has been diagnosed with a fracture in the index finger of his right hand and will miss at least the first round of the playoffs. Manager Mike Shildt informed reporters, including Julian Del Gaudio of Fox 5 San Diego, after today’s game. The outfielder appeared to injure his hand when fouling off a pitch, wincing in discomfort and shaking his hand before being removed in the second inning. 

Shildt didn’t sugarcoat the outlook when pressed about Laureano’s postseason availability. As heard in audio from 97.3 The Fan, the Padres’ manager explained the seriousness of the injury: “Sometimes, we come in and talk about, you know, slight fracture, hairline fracture,” Shildt said. “It’s a fracture. So I want to temper expectations but I also want to keep everything on the table. But I wouldn’t expect to see him early in the playoffs but I would hold out hope for later.” It was a measured response, but one that made clear the Padres are preparing for life without Laureano for now.

The Padres’ postseason identity has long been tied to their stars, but October always reveals the importance of role players. Laureano will be difficult to replace, and how the team adapts could define their opening series.

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