The San Diego Padres celebrated a milestone as new manager Craig Stammen secured his first victory with a commanding 10-3 win over the Kansas City Royals. This triumph on the road sets the stage for a tougher challenge as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Peoria Sports Complex.
A standout in the early games has been Jose Miranda, who is making a strong case to be included on the Padres roster as a versatile option off the bench. With plenty of spring action ahead, San Diego has time to evaluate their options.
The Padres are also navigating the introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. After just two games, they've successfully challenged three calls, showcasing the catchers' grasp of the strike zone. This understanding could be a game-changer for the team.
In other Padres news, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports from Peoria, touching on various topics including Miranda's performance and reliever Yuki Matsui's recovery. The Padres appear more prepared than in 2023 to handle player absences due to the World Baseball Classic, thanks in part to rising star Jackson Merrill. Merrill, while not on Team USA, is using this time in Peoria to hone his leadership skills, confident that his opportunity will come.
Nick Castellanos, known for his versatility at third base and in the outfield, is now taking on first base duties for the Padres. He displayed promising skills with some challenging plays against the Seattle Mariners, indicating a smooth transition.
In broader baseball news, the sport mourns the loss of Pittsburgh Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski, whose passing was announced on Saturday. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees made a powerful start to Spring Training with two home runs, though Spencer Jones stole some of the spotlight with a stadium-clearing homer of his own.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have added depth to their outfield by claiming former Pirates outfielder Jack Suwinski off waivers, necessitating Kike Hernandez's move to the IL. Lastly, the St. Louis Cardinals have reached an agreement with infielder Ramon Urias, further solidifying their roster.