Ryan O'Hearn might be getting blocked by his own trade partner in San Diego

The "Free Ryan O'Hearn" tweets have already begun. They started in the 8th inning during the Padres' second game in the desert on Tuesday where the score was idle at 5-5, and the Friars were in need of some oomph. The tweets following the game told a different story, mainly due to a knockout punch from the Padres in the top of the 11th. The final score was Padres 10, Diamondbacks 5.

Ramón Laureano was laser-focused. During an in-game interview with pitcher Dylan Cease, Laureano could be seen entering the frame and taking some chops while staring down the opposing pitcher in an intimidating fashion. Thing was, he (Laureano) wasn't even due up anytime soon. After a dynamic game where he went 3-for-6, and pushed a double into a triple out of sheer hustle, those O'Hearn fanatics turned their attention to Gavin Sheets.

The cream always rises to the top, and Laureano has all but cemented himself in left field. Of course O'Hearn could use some playing time. After O'Hearn started at first base in the series finale against the Cardinals, he's only had one at bat in two games in the desert. The trade deadline is long gone. Decisions are moving at rapid speed. (See J.P. Sears optioned to Triple-A.) Fans are demanding the same immediacy of Manager Mike Shildt's lineup. Not now, but right now.

Padres fans want to see Ryan O'Hearn get more playing time

Their argument is simple: don't let O'Hearn's All-Star year go cold, but the other problem is Laureano isn’t the only Padre on a hot streak. Enter Luis Arraez who in his last 15 games, is hitting .355 entering Wednesday, in addition to winning the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Heart & Hustle Award. The award is presented to the player who “best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.” 

After early lock-in-key contributions from newcomers Laureano and Fermin, the odd man out is O'Hearn, their fellow newcomer. As for the DH spot in August, Shildt has used a revolving door of names that only once included O’Hearn. For Shildt and the Padres, as long as they keep winning, the “Free Ryan O’Hearn” campaign might have to marinate for now.