With just six games left in the Padres' spring schedule, the team faces some tough roster decisions as the deadline looms.
Manager Craig Stammen announced that Joe Musgrove will start the season on the IL, which wasn’t unexpected given his absence since March 4. His bullpen session was put on hold, and he hasn't pitched since.
Walker Buehler, in camp on a minor league deal, impressed on March 10 against the Angels. He showcased his off-speed arsenal, throwing only eight fastballs out of 68 pitches over 3.2 innings.
While spring results can be deceiving, Buehler's progress is promising. With Musgrove sidelined, Buehler could secure a spot, with a roster decision due by March 21, his first opt-out date.
Germán Márquez has struggled since joining the Padres, with a 12.15 ERA over 6.2 innings. If his performance doesn’t improve, the team might look elsewhere for a fifth starter. The Padres have some flexibility with two off-days in their first eight games, allowing them to experiment with a four-man rotation and a nine-pitcher bullpen.
Tristan McKenzie and Marco Gonzales haven’t been consistent enough to earn a rotation spot. JP Sears has shown flashes but struggles with command. His fastball velocity is up, but he needs more time to refine his control.
Matt Waldron is back from surgery and working to build up his innings. His fastball velocity increased before his surgery, but he’s out of options, meaning he must make the team or be placed on waivers.
Injury concerns further complicate roster decisions. Sung-Mun Song is recovering from an oblique injury and is slowly progressing.
Yuki Matsui hasn’t played yet but threw a bullpen session on March 14. Jason Adam is eyeing Opening Day after field drills and simulated games.
Bryan Hoeing is set for flexor tendon surgery and will be on the 60-day IL, joining Griffin Canning and Jhony Brito, who are also sidelined.
If Song isn't ready, Ty France and Jose Miranda, both having strong springs, could make the roster. France has a March 21 opt-out deadline.
Yu Darvish made a brief stop in Peoria, Arizona, en route from Tokyo to Miami. With Japan out of the WBC, he should rejoin the Padres soon.
As for the bullpen, David Morgan, Bradgley Rodriguez, Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, and Kyle Hart have all performed well. Wandy Peralta is expected back from the WBC soon, potentially adding depth. If Matsui isn’t ready, Mason Miller might fill the last spot, with Logan Gillaspie likely missing out despite a strong showing.
Backup catcher Luis Campusano has struggled offensively this spring, but manager Craig Stammen expressed confidence in his defensive work. Campusano's focus has been on working with the pitchers, and his Triple-A success last season gives him some leeway.
Nick Pivetta is expected to start on Opening Day against the Tigers at Petco Park. While Stammen hasn’t confirmed it, Pivetta is set to pitch on March 19, with a possible tune-up on March 22 or 23. Michael King is another option, scheduled to start on March 18, with Randy Vasquez likely pitching the third game.
The Padres have reassigned several non-roster invitees to minor league camp, including outfielder Tirso Ornelas and injured catcher Blake Hunt. The major league camp now has 54 players remaining.