Padres rookie Jase Bowen punctuates trade deadline push with first MLB homer

The ball left Jase Bowen’s bat with certainty the Padres have lacked most of the summer. He turned on an 83 mph hanging breaking ball from Giants lefty Carson Whisenhunt and sent it sailing toward the left-field seats at Petco Park. The Padres’ rookie watched it fly, started his trip around the bases and allowed himself to enjoy a moment six years in the making.

It was Bowen’s first MLB home run. San Diego was already leading 3-0 in the fourth inning. Bowen’s solo shot made it 4-0, adding another run to a game the Padres eventually turned into a 7-0 beatdown.

That celebration belonged to Bowen, while also sending a direct message to A.J. Preller.

Jase Bowen made the Padres’ trade deadline case even louder

At this point, the Padres should be buyers. They have spent a large part of the season asking whether they deserve reinforcements. They’ve supplied their answer by winning six of seven games and climbing two games above .500. They’re alive in a crowded NL playoff race, their stars have begun turning it around and their supporting cast is contributing meaningful moments. Bowen’s home run was just another clean symbol of that progress.

A television graphic gave him an 18 percent hit probability before the pitch. Bowen rendered that number useless with one swing. 

Bowen spent six seasons in the Pirates’ farm system before signing a minor-league contract with the Friars last November. He forced his way onto the radar with 13 home runs and a .962 OPS at Triple-A El Paso, then received his first major-league opportunity in June. The Padres initially viewed him as a source of speed, defense and outfield versatility. We knew he had some pop, but when it’s active, it changes the conversation.

He still has plenty to establish at this level. His major-league offensive production has been modest, and one great night doesn’t guarantee him an everyday job. He’s still only slashing .167/.206/.250 on the season in 60 at-bats. However, it does give the Padres another functional piece. A young outfielder who can defend, run and occasionally punish a mistake has value on a team trying to reach October.

San Diego needs that kind of production from the bottom of its order. Bowen batted ninth against the Giants and finished with two hits, including the homer. Contending lineups become dangerous when the final hitter can turn over the order or change the score himself. And that’s what Bowen did.

A.J. Preller has every reason to invest in this Padres roster

Bowen’s emergence hasn’t erased the Padres needs. The rotation still requires help, and the offense could use another reliable bat. 

Fernando Tatis Jr., Machado and Jackson Merrill give them the foundation of a postseason lineup. Mason Miller anchors a dominant bullpen. Michael King gives the rotation a dependable front-line starter. Bowen and the rest of the supporting cast are beginning to supply the energy and depth that went missing earlier in the season.

This team has flaws. But so does every club fighting for a wild-card spot does. The deadline exists so front offices can address them.

Preller has built his reputation on aggression. One credible starter and another dependable hitter would make this roster significantly tougher over the final two months. This team deserves a chance to see if they can make some noise in October. 

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