Spring Training is often a time for experimentation, but you never want to drop two games in a day to divisional rivals. That's exactly what happened to the San Diego Padres, who fell to both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies in split-squad matchups.
In Peoria, the Padres' regulars faced the Rockies and took a 9-3 loss. Nick Pivetta, a strong contender for the Opening Day starter role, was on the mound for four innings, allowing five runs-four earned-on eight hits.
He walked one and struck out three. Pivetta’s focus this season is on consistency, and he hopes this outing is the springboard for a solid year.
Bradgley Rodriguez provided a bright spot in relief, delivering a hitless, scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Jason Adam, making his return from a quadriceps tendon rupture, and Jeremiah Estrada combined for two scoreless innings.
However, the minor league relievers struggled, giving up four runs over the final three innings. The Padres’ offense managed only four hits, with Jackson Merrill being the lone starter to record one.
Against the Dodgers, San Diego used just three pitchers, and despite a late rally, they fell 4-3. Marco Gonzales, vying for a rotation spot, pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits.
Alek Jacob and Logan Gillaspie followed, with Gillaspie allowing one run over 3 2/3 innings. Ramon Laureano shone with a two-run homer, while Bryce Johnson added a double and two runs scored.
Looking ahead, the Padres are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers and showcase their prospects against the Cubs in the Spring Breakout Series.
In other Padres news, Freddy Fermin has impressed both at the plate and behind it, particularly with his handling of the new ABS Challenge System. Jason Adam aims to be ready for Opening Day, but Yuki Matsui is expected to start on the IL.
Significant roster decisions have been made, with Walker Buehler and German Marquez securing spots in the rotation. Buehler avoided opting out of his minor league deal, while the team still needs to decide on Ty France’s role.
On a different note, the Padres' value has risen, with Forbes ranking them as the 10th-most valuable MLB franchise. And for those attending games, Petco Park will feature new food options this season.
Elsewhere in baseball, Yankees prospect Jasson Dominguez will start in Triple-A, while the Pirates are looking to extend top prospect Konnor Griffin. The Phillies’ Andrew Painter is set for his MLB debut on March 31, and Nationals draftee Dylan Crews will begin the season in Triple-A.