Padres' Opening Day Roster: Buehler's Big Break
The Padres are making waves by including Walker Buehler on their Opening Day roster. This move ensures the veteran right-hander secures a $1.5 million base salary, with the potential to earn up to $2.5 million in active roster bonuses. Joining the starting rotation alongside Nick Pivetta, Michael King, and Randy Vásquez, Buehler and Germán Márquez complete the lineup.
With Joe Musgrove sidelined for a couple of weeks due to a lingering recovery issue, and Griffin Canning still rehabbing from last summer’s Achilles tear, the Padres needed to bolster their rotation. Canning recently made a brief appearance against Mariners’ minor leaguers, marking his first competitive action since the injury. Meanwhile, Matt Waldron is a few weeks behind after a procedure, and Yu Darvish is out for the season following elbow surgery.
Buehler is looking to bounce back after a couple of challenging seasons. Last year, he posted a 4.93 ERA and a career-low 16.3% strikeout rate over 126 innings. After stints with Boston and Philadelphia, Buehler landed a minor league deal with the Padres, a promising opportunity given their current rotation challenges.
In Cactus League play, Buehler has shown potential, striking out 13 over 11 2/3 innings while experimenting with six pitches. Although his fastball is currently clocking in at 92-93 mph, there's optimism that his velocity will increase as the season progresses.
Infield decisions are also on the horizon. Ty France faces an opt-out decision if not added to the roster, with a $1.35 million base salary on the line.
The Padres are weighing whether to roster France or fellow signee Jose Miranda. Both have impressed this spring, but the utility spot is earmarked for Sung-mun Song once he recovers from an oblique strain.
The Padres have some flexibility with one open spot on the 40-man roster, following the waiver of Daison Acosta. They also have potential room by moving Yu Darvish and Bryan Hoeing to the 60-day injured list.
In the bullpen, lefty Yuki Matsui will start the season on the 15-day IL due to a groin strain. However, he’s expected back in April.
Righty Jason Adam is making strides toward an active roster spot, joining a bullpen that includes Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, and others. With Adam’s health improving, competition remains for the final bullpen slot, with Ron Marinaccio and Logan Gillaspie in the mix.
As the Padres navigate these roster decisions, they're setting the stage for an intriguing start to the season.