Spring Training Opens with WBC Buzz, Padres Rotation Questions, and Injury Updates
Spring Training is officially underway in Arizona and Florida, but this year’s camps have a unique wrinkle: the World Baseball Classic. As MLB players prepare to leave their clubs to represent their countries, there’s a familiar mix of excitement and anxiety in the air.
The prospect of seeing stars like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani face off on the international stage is undeniably thrilling - it’s baseball at its most electric. But for front offices and fans alike, there’s always that underlying worry: what if someone gets hurt?
For the San Diego Padres, that concern is very real as they juggle roster uncertainty, injury updates, and a few swings and misses in free agency.
Padres Still Searching for Rotation Depth
The Padres came into Spring Training with more questions than answers, especially when it comes to the back end of their starting rotation. Manager Craig Stammen addressed the media on Wednesday and made it clear that the No. 4 and No. 5 spots are still up for grabs. Randy Vasquez appears to have an early edge for the fourth slot, but nothing is locked in beyond the top trio of Joe Musgrove, Nick Pivetta, and Michael King.
That’s a solid top three, but in today’s game, you need five reliable arms - and ideally, a couple more stashed in the wings. The Padres know this, which is why they’ve been active (if not successful) in the pitching market.
Veterans Justin Verlander and Chris Bassitt were both linked to San Diego at various points this offseason, but ultimately signed elsewhere - Verlander returning to Detroit and Bassitt landing in Baltimore on a one-year, $18.5 million deal. There’s also been chatter about the Padres targeting Zac Gallen, though the price tag could be a deal-breaker. Internally, some believe a reunion with Ty France might be a smarter, more cost-effective move.
Mason Miller Locked Into Closer Role
One storyline that’s now been put to bed is the idea of Mason Miller transitioning back into the rotation. That speculation had legs earlier in the offseason, but Stammen shut the door on it this week, confirming Miller will remain in the bullpen - and more specifically, as the team’s closer.
It’s a logical move. Miller’s electric stuff plays exceptionally well in short bursts, and keeping him in the bullpen should help manage his workload and durability. Padres fans hoping to see him start again may have to keep dreaming, but locking down the ninth inning with a high-octane arm like Miller’s is no small consolation.
Injury Bug Bites Early
The Padres were dealt an early blow with offseason acquisition Sung-Mun Song suffering a rib injury. The team expects him back in time for Opening Day, but he’ll miss some valuable Spring Training reps. That’s not ideal for a player expected to fill multiple roles this season - versatility is part of what made Song such a key signing.
Meanwhile, Bryan Hoeing is back in camp and healthy after a tough 2025 season that was derailed by injury. Hoeing didn’t mince words, telling reporters that last year “was not a fun year.”
He’ll compete for one of the few open bullpen spots, though the team hasn’t ruled out stretching him out as a starter if needed. Hoeing has the stuff to handle either role - it’ll just come down to how the rest of the roster shakes out.
Around the League: Injuries, Signings, and Familiar Faces
It’s not just the Padres dealing with early injury news. The Mets are hopeful Francisco Lindor will be ready for Opening Day after undergoing hamate surgery. That’s the same injury that will keep Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll out of the World Baseball Classic - a tough break for both Arizona and Team USA.
In Minnesota, the Twins added veteran reliever Liam Hendriks on a minor league deal. It’s a low-risk move with potential upside if Hendriks can return to form.
The Brewers, meanwhile, turned to a familiar face, bringing back catcher Gary Sánchez on a one-year deal. Sánchez had a productive stint with Milwaukee and should provide both power and experience behind the plate.
As Spring Training ramps up and the World Baseball Classic looms, teams are walking a tightrope between preparation and preservation. For the Padres, the next few weeks will be all about sorting out the rotation, getting healthy, and making sure the pieces they do have are ready to go. Because once the real games start, there won’t be much margin for error.