Nick Pivetta made his much-anticipated return to the San Diego Padres' mound after a stint on the sidelines with arm fatigue. In a solid outing, Pivetta pitched three innings, tossing 56 pitches, and gave up two runs on two hits.
He also recorded two walks and four strikeouts, playing a key role in the Padres' 8-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona. Miguel Andujar and Freddy Fermin provided the fireworks with their bats, each launching homers.
Andujar's grand slam marked his third homer of the spring, while Fermin continued his impressive form, adding two hits, including a home run. Xander Bogaerts, fresh from the World Baseball Classic, chipped in with two hits as well.
Meanwhile, Marco Gonzales took the mound for a split-squad matchup against the Texas Rangers in Surprise, Arizona. Unfortunately for Gonzales and the Padres, it was a day to forget, as they fell 22-2.
The Rangers jumped out with five runs in the first two innings, and a disastrous 13-run third inning sealed the Padres' fate. Gonzales struggled, lasting just two innings and surrendering 11 runs-10 earned-on eight hits with six walks and a strikeout.
Reliever Logan Gillaspie had his own troubles, allowing five home runs over 2.2 innings, giving up nine runs on 11 hits. Jase Bowen provided a glimmer of hope with a two-run homer in the third inning.
In other Padres news, a survey on Gaslamp Ball revealed that fans overwhelmingly expect Walker Buehler to secure the final spot in the starting rotation. Jackson Merrill, who battled through injuries last season, is poised for a comeback, with hopes high for a healthy and impactful year. AJ Cassavell of Padres.com noted that Pivetta's recent performance suggests his arm issues are behind him.
The Padres face potential rotation challenges, especially with Joe Musgrove possibly missing the start of the season. Even with Musgrove healthy, creative solutions might be necessary to fill the No. 5 starter role.
In broader baseball news, Randy Arozarena has returned to the Seattle Mariners after Team Mexico's World Baseball Classic exit. Arozarena and Cal Raleigh, teammates on the Mariners, had a memorable moment during the WBC that they’re ready to move past. Meanwhile, Chris Devenski of the Pittsburgh Pirates is home and recovering after being struck by a line drive.
In the World Baseball Classic, Venezuela stunned defending champions Japan to advance to the semi-finals, where they'll face Italy, who triumphed over Puerto Rico. Paul Skenes is set to return for Team USA as they prepare to take on the Dominican Republic's formidable lineup, with a spot in the final against either Italy or Venezuela on the line.