Padres Reacts Survey: Are you rooting for Walker Buehler to make San Diego’s rotation?

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Feb 23, 2026; Peoria, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Walker Buehler (10) looks on from the dugout in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Padres fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Walker Buehler is well-known to San Diego Padres fans. The former two-time World Series champion and two-time All-Star with the Los Angeles Dodgers was a member of the hated rivals from 2017 when he made his debut with the club until 2025 when he left the Dodgers as a free agent and signed with the Boston Red Sox.

Buehler did not make it through the 2025 season with the Red Sox and was released on Aug. 29 after appearing in 23 games with 22 starts in Boston. He worked to a 7-7 record with a 5.45 ERA, which was the highest of his career, before his release. Buehler was not a free agent long and agreed to a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 31. He performed well with the Phillies and played in three games and made two starts, finishing with a 0.66 ERA over 13.2 innings.

The deal Buehler signed with Boston was only for one year, so even without the release he would have been looking for another job. The short-term deal made him expendable and allowed Boston to release him and Philadelphia to pick him up for its playoff run, which ended in the National League Division Series against the Dodgers. Once the season was over, Buehler returned to the free agent market and started searching again for a team to call home. He found that team in San Diego and agreed to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training, where he has yet to make an appearance in a game.

It is odd and can be jarring for Padres fans to see the long-time Dodger in brown and gold, but it may be something we all have to get used to. Buehler has said his intention is to compete for a starting job and with his major league track record and his opportunity to work with San Diego pitching coach Ruben Niebla, he might win it.

Walker Buehler discusses why he signed with the Padres, how he views his last few seasons and how it feels to be on the other side of the Padres-Dodgers rivalry: pic.twitter.com/WCEDpeXLnt

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 17, 2026

Buehler established himself as one of the best pitchers in MLB during his time in Los Angeles. He also became highly disliked by the Friar Faithful thanks in part to his 7-1 career record in 13 games against San Diego with 83 strikeouts and a 1.67 ERA. He pitched aggressively against the Padres and seemed to fully embrace the rivalry that exists between the teams.

While his career numbers against the Padres in the regular season were outstanding, Buehler struggled in postseason outings against San Diego. In 2020, he pitched one postseason game and lasted four innings, allowing one earned run on two hits. In 2024, Buehler made it through five innings but was touched up for six earned runs on seven hits which included a memorable two-run blast from Fernando Tatis Jr.

Buehler’s combined postseason numbers against the Padres are 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA over nine innings with seven runs allowed, five walks, an intentional walk and a wild pitch. Bueler did have eight postseason strikeouts against San Diego, but all eight came in 2020.

With all the history between Buehler and the Padres, would you, the Friar Faithful, root for him to win one of the last rotation spots on the 2026 roster? That is the Padres Reacts Survey poll question from Gaslamp Ball to the readers. Results will be revealed later in the week.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/gaslamp...or-walker-buehler-to-make-san-diegos-rotation
 
Michael King, ABS have big day

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The Los Angeles Angels certainly helped out by bringing many of their front line players to Peoria for their game against the Padres on Wednesday. In Michael King’s first start of spring camp, he got a mostly major league line-up to test his progress back from an injury-plagued 2025.

After the usual two innings to start the game, King had only thrown 25 pitches so he was sent out for the third inning and finished with 37 pitches overall. His first two innings were efficient, highlighted by two strikeouts (first baseman Nolan Schanuel and catcher Logan O’Hoppe) and three ground ball outs. The third inning was a little rougher with a lead off homer (second baseman Christian Moore) and a single (left fielder Raudi Rodriguez) to go with two more strikeouts (shortstop Zach Neto and third baseman Denzer Guzman). King was removed after two outs.

Funky right-hander Alek Jacob followed with his unusual arm angle and lower velocity. Throwing most of his fastballs (four-seam and sinker) between 86-88 mph, Jacob mixed in his sweeper and changeup for three strikeouts of his four hitters faced.

New Padre Ty Adcock followed with a clean inning and lefty Kyle Hart worked around a double for another clean inning. Ethan Salas came in to relieve catcher Luis Campusano to catch for Hart and won an ABS challenge with the first hitter.

The seventh inning was a stormy one for left-hander Omar Cruz. He allowed two home runs around a ground ball out but then struck out the next two hitters. The game was finished by lefty Jagger Haynes in the eighth and Logan Gillaspie (back from his paternity leave), each with clean innings. Haynes worked around two hits and finished with a double play.

Padres pitchers finished allowing three runs on eight hits with 14 strikeouts.

Offense surges late again

On the hitters side, Manny Machado continues his history of slow springs and still doesn’t have a hit. Ty France’s at-bat in the sixth inning stands out for the timely and dramatic use of ABS by a hitter. Fernando Tatis Jr. got a single in the 6th inning, Jackson Merrill got a double in the third inning and Ramon Laureano hit a single in the second inning. Their scoring all occurred in the sixth and eighth innings, another later inning rally by the Friars.

ABS drama

Working with two outs and two strikes, France got a called third strike but challenged the pitch and the ABS showed a ball by one tenth of an inch, giving him new life. On the next pitch he lined a single that drove in two runs, giving the Padres a 4-1 lead.

Overall, there were eight ABS challenges and Padres hitters France and Nick Castellanos both had their strike calls overturned. Five of the eight calls were overturned during the game. It’s Spring Training for the umpires, too.

Romeo Sanabria and Mason McCoy

First baseman Romeo Sanabria hit a double as a pinch-hitter for France in the eighth. driving in a run and shortstop Mason McCoy, subbing at shortstop, hit another double later in the inning, driving in two runs. McCoy also had an impressive jump-throw behind second base in the seventh inning, throwing out Angels first baseman Schanuel.

Sanabria is trying to be the minor league star of Spring 2026 with his performance to start the first six games. He is 5-for-8 with seven RBI, including a home run and two doubles. As a left-handed first baseman, Sanabria has been a bat-first player for his career. He is opening some eyes early this spring after finishing 2025 with Double-A San Antonio. In 119 games last season, he hit .257/309/.432 (.802 OPS) with 12 HR, 18 2B and 56 RBI in 119 games.

McCoy has hit well and played good defense in his early spring opportunities. The competition for bench spots looks to be a fierce battle between McCoy, Will Wagner, Ty France, Jose Miranda and Miguel Andujar. McCoy and Wagner still have minor league options but France and Miranda are major league veterans with opt out options as part of their contracts. Andujar is on a major league deal and is competing with Nick Castellanos as an infield bat to pair with Gavin Sheets for 1B/DH.

My time in Arizona is done. Lots of observations made on the practice fields and in bullpens that will be noted in the spring notes from the first week of games.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/53949/michael-king-abs-have-big-day
 
Padres have at least five groups bidding as sale gets closer

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Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees | Getty Images

The Athletic and the San Diego Union-Tribune both reported that an unnamed source has divulged that there are five groups who submitted bids on Wednesday in the first round of offers to purchase the San Diego Padres.

The source or sources were not authorized to speak on the sale but it seems possible that the Padres could change hands within the next month to two months.

The Athletic reported a new group, headed by Vuori CEO Joe Kudla and former San Diego Chargers quarterback and NFL Hall Of Fame player Drew Brees, were one of the five to submit bids. Before today, there were reportedly three other groups who had expressed interest in the team.

Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob, Serie A club Roma and Premier League Everton owner Dan Friedkin and ClearLake Capital founding partner Jose E. Feliciano are the other three names that have been reported to be interested or to have placed bids. There is no confirmation on any of these reports.

There is no information on who the last bidder could be.

Feliciano is a Puerto Rican native who is headquartered in Santa Monica. Friedkin is a San Diego native who lives in Texas and Kudla is the Carlsbad-based owner and CEO of Vuori, he graduated from USD and began his business in 2015, per The Athletic. His company is an athletic leisure-wear brand. Brees, his partner in the bid, participates in marketing for Vuori and is a part-time San Diego resident with a long history of Padres fandom.

Sportico has valued the Padres at $2.31 billion but reports from sources inside MLB have said that the Seidler family is seeking closer to $3 billion for the team. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made a statement when the potential sale was announced in November of 2025, stating –

“It’s a really appealing franchise. They’ve done a great job building a fan base. The in-ballpark experience in San Diego’s probably one of our best. They’ve got some great players and I expect there will be people that will be interested in buying.”

Manfred updated that statement on Feb. 12 in his yearly media gathering at the beginning of Spring Training.

“The best I can tell on you on the Padres is there is robust interest on what is viewed as a really appealing asset.”

Padres Chairman John Seidler spoke at the start of Padres Spring Training and stated that there were multiple interested parties, not all of which had been reported in the media, and what the owners were seeking in a new owner.
“We would like to see what everybody would like to see: We would like to see somebody with ties to San Diego, a deep love of San Diego and a deep love of baseball, so they can continue doing the work that we do in the community and providing the product on the field that the fans enjoy.”

He also stated the team would not be moved.

There have been widespread rumors that if Lacob were to buy the franchise, he would seek to move it out of San Diego to Northern California, where he resides and owns the Warriors.

“I can’t speak as to any details as to what may or may not be negotiated with an ultimate buyer,” Seidler said. “But if you look, a new buyer would be nuts to move the team out of San Diego, with the second-highest attendance in all of baseball last year. San Diego’s a great place for baseball. Baseball is the only major sport in San Diego right now. So, the opportunity is in San Diego, not elsewhere.”

It seems likely that the Padres could have a new owner by Opening Day or very soon thereafter. It’s unlikely most Padres fans will have a strong opinion on who would be the best owner for the team but share Seidler’s hope that a dedication to San Diego and baseball will be their motivation for owning the Padres.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...least-five-groups-bidding-as-sale-gets-closer
 
ST Game 8: San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies

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Peoria, AZ - February 22: Sung-Mun Song #24 of the San Diego Padres bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game on February 22, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies, February 27, 2026, 12:10 p.m. PST

Watch: None

Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick – Scottsdale, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Happy Friday! pic.twitter.com/9KIt30mwvS

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 27, 2026
More baseball😁 pic.twitter.com/MnGvGHIZdv

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) February 27, 2026


Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
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GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/spring-...t-game-8-san-diego-padres-at-colorado-rockies
 
Padres drop another one-run game, this time in walk-off fashion

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Peoria, AZ - February 22: Sean Boyle #96 of the San Diego Padres throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game on February 22, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

For the third time in the last four games, a San Diego Padres Spring Training game was decided by one run. Unfortunately for the Padres, it was the Colorado Rockies who were at the plate in the bottom of the ninth inning and it was Zac Veen who hit a one-out solo home run to center field just to the right of the batters eye to give the Rockies a 3-2 walk-off win at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz. on Friday.

San Diego took the lead early in the game when Manny Machado collected his seventh RBI in to games with a bases loaded sacrifice fly to right-center field to give the Padres a 1-0 lead in the top of the third. San Diego scored its second run of the game in the top of the eighth inning when Samad Taylor hit a two-out a single through the left side of the infield that scored Tirso Ornelas to tie the game, 2-2.

Veen connected on his game-winning home run when Padres reliever Sean Boyle left an 89.1 mph fastball out over the plate on a 1-0 count. Veen took his trip around the bases much to the delight of his teammates and the home field crowd and Boyle and his teammates walked off the field and made their return to Peoria, Ariz.

Jake Cronenworth, Ramon Laureano and Sung-Mun Song were the only San Diego starters to record a hit against Colorado pitching. Taylor had the only other hit for the Padres in the game with his eight-inning RBI-single.

Randy Vasquez started on the mound for San Diego and turned in another solid outing. He finished 2.2 innings and did not allow a hit. Vasquez did issue to walks, but he also recorded four strikeouts.

The Padres return to the Peoria Sports Complex to take on the Seattle Mariners on Saturday at 12:10 p.m. San Diego opened Cactus League play against Seattle on Feb. 20 last time the teams met, and the Padres took a 7-4 loss.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/game-re...er-one-run-game-this-time-in-walk-off-fashion
 
Good Morning San Diego: Bids have been submitted, sale expected soon; Padres lose wild game to Reds

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SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 30: Former professional football player Drew Brees waves to the crowd as the San Diego Padres face against the San Francisco Giants on March 30, 2024 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Four of the five groups that have submitted bids to become the new owners of the San Diego Padres have been identified, but the fifth group or individual is unknown. It was reported Thursday that former San Diego Chargers quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Drew Brees is a part of one of the groups that have submitted bids. The sale process is expected to move quickly and the new owners reportedly could be in place sometime soon after the start of the 2026 regular season.

Padres News:


Baseball News:


Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...e-expected-soon-padres-lose-wild-game-to-reds
 
Padres relievers dominant in win over Mariners, Jackson Merrill hits first home run of spring season

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Peoria, Ariz. - February 14: Bradgley Rodriguez #72 of the San Diego Padres pitches during spring training workouts at the Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 in Peoria, Ariz. (Photo by Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

Jackson Merrill capped a five-run bottom of the second inning with a two-run home run to left-center field that put the San Diego Padres ahead of the Seattle Mariners, 5-1. It was the second hit of the day for Merrill, who also reached on an infield single in the bottom of the first inning.

Moonshot for Merrill 💥 pic.twitter.com/QVjrOY8j2e

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 28, 2026

The Padres added to their lead on a Nick Schnell two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to give San Diego a six-run lead. Padres relievers controlled the Mariners hitters for the remainder of the game, and the Padres went on to win, 7-1.

Schnell gets it done 💪 pic.twitter.com/6bq4BndIh1

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 28, 2026

JP Sears got the start for San Diego and had a much better performance than his first time out. He completed three innings and allowed one run on three hits with a walk and a strikeout. San Diego relievers Jeremiah Estrada, Mason Miller, Alek Jacob, Bradgley Rodriguez, Ty Adcock and Kyle Hart combined to allow just one hit over the final six innings of the game. The group also combined for seven strikeouts and no walks allowed.

Merrill, who was batting second in the lineup, has appeared in five games during Spring Training and is 3-for-8 after his two-hit performance on Saturday. His other hit was a double. Merrill also has two walks and just three strikeouts and appears to be well past the injuries that hampered him throughout the 2025 season.

San Diego travels to Scottsdale, Ariz. to take on the San Francisco Giants on Sunday at 12:05 p.m.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/game-re...-merrill-hits-first-home-run-of-spring-season
 
ST Game 10: San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants

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PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20, 2026: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres warms up during the third inning of a spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Stadium on February 20, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants, March 1, 2026, 12:05 p.m. PST

Watch: MLB.com

Location: Scottsdale Stadium – Scottsdale, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Sunday in Scottsdale. pic.twitter.com/8nVNTR9GFo

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 1, 2026
Back in Scottsdale 🌵☀️

⌚️: 12:05 p.m. PT
📺: https://t.co/Jv3DegS1kk
📻: @KNBR pic.twitter.com/qvDB6gQ7Y4

— SFGiants (@SFGiants) March 1, 2026


Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/spring-...e-10-san-diego-padres-at-san-francisco-giants
 
Padres have many decisions this spring

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There is a lot going on in spring camp besides what we see in the games played. The backfields, the B games, the live BP and the bullpen sessions thrown are all just as important or more important as what we see on the field.

I spent three days this past week watching practice and games in Peoria, Ariz. There is quality competition for the last rotation spots and the last player spots on the 26-man roster. It is too early to pick a favorite, but I liked what I saw as far as options for the team.

Rotation arms

Griffin Canning will probably not be available for the start of the season. He is being slow-played as far as building up his field work. I saw some agility work and bullpen work but no simulated games or live BP while I was there. It seems the organization wants to be very conservative with building him up to start and to field his position.

Germán Marquez has had bullpen and live BP sessions. He has shown a mid-90’s fastball and has featured a slider, changeup and a knuclecurve in the past. His return from surgery of two years ago has not been successful so far. He pitched in Sunday’s game against the Giants and allowed three runs in two innings with two strikeouts and no walks allowed.

Marquez and Walker Buehler both get intensive, one-on-one sessions with pitching coach Ruben Niebla. Buehler pitched in a sim game on Saturday, Feb. 28 against the NC Dions of the KBO with velocity in the low 90s and issues with location but he pitched in three innings.

Triston McKenzie has increased velocity on his fastball but location/command has been an issue for him. Time will tell if he can improve and be competitive as the spring camp progresses.

JP Sears has low 90s velocity on his fastball and must command his pitches in order to be effective as a starter. He had a disastrous first start but improved and finished three innings with one run in his second start. He has been an innings-eater in the past with an ERA in the 4.3 to 4.5 range and could use his newly refined cutter to help him get back to that level this season. That profiles as an acceptable number five starter.

Matt Waldron had surgery on his hemorrhoidal issues and is out until he isn’t. It is possible he could start the season on the IL. His situation is difficult as he no longer has minor league options and must be on the roster in order to avoid being placed on waivers. His only start showed increased velocity and effectiveness over last season. Enough to make the improvements something to watch as he returns from surgery.

Marco Gonzales is another low velocity, command-based pitcher who is working his way through the spring. His 1.2 innings pitched in games so far has not been impressive but continued work will show if he is someone that could be competitive for the last spot.

Randy Vasquez has shown that he is serious about winning the fourth spot in the rotation. He came into camp slimmer than last year, with sustained velocity from the end of last season. His stuff is also playing up from last year and he has seven pitches to pull from in his mix a a starter.

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Bullpen options

The bullpen depth is well-known and there will need to be important decisions made before the end of spring. Yuki Matsui is recovering from a groin strain and his availability for the start of the season is unknown. The back end of the bullpen seems set, barring injury, with Mason Miller as the closer and a combination of Adrian Morejón, Jeremiah Estrada, David Morgan and a healthy Jason Adam providing high-leverage relief.

The other three spots are the middle relievers. Matsui, when healthy, and Wandy Peralta are holdovers from last year and will be on the team unless there is a trade involving them. That leaves one spot for what would probably be a swing man or long-reliever. Ron Marinaccio, who is out of options, Kyle Hart and Bryan Hoeing are the leading contenders but we heard Saturday that Hoeing is experiencing elbow soreness and is being evaluated.

This would leave Bradgley Rodriquez and Alek Jacob off the roster and they have both been dominant so far this spring. This situation again suggests that a late spring trade could be an option to add more quality to the roster by trading from bullpen quality.

The line up

Manager Craig Stammen surprised most everyone by starting the spring with a different lineup than we have seen before. With the past week only providing consistency to that new lineup. Xander Bogaerts leading off with Jackson Merrill second, Manny Machado third and Fernando Tatis Jr. cleaning up.

Bogaerts has left for the WBC, along with Machado and Tatis Jr. The lineup will not look the same until they are all back from their WBC teams. Until then, there will be many different lineups and there will only be a week or so to set the final lineup before Opening Day.

Jackson Merrill has been a free swinger as the second hitter. Having Machado hit second or third, in rotation with Merrill, is not an issue but Tatis Jr. hitting fourth has many questioning the logic of having your best player getting less at-bats over the course of a whole season.

Position battles

Nick Castellanos and Miguel Andujar were signed to major league contracts and it is likely they are both on the roster. They would fill the 1B/DH jobs and be in rotation with Gavin Sheets.

Sung-Mun Song is the utility infielder and looks athletic with good range at third base. His challenge is adding shortstop and/or the outfield to his skillset.

That leaves one spot open for either another outfielder or an infielder between Ty France, Bryce Johnson, Will Wagner and Mason McCoy. Minor league sign Jose Miranda has four years of MLB experience and could be an option for staying with the organization as minor league depth. He has had a good spring at the plate so far, hitting .429 with six RBI.

Joe Musgrove

Joe Musgrove is slow-playing his return to the rotation with a lot of backfield work and a sim game thrown on Feb. 26. He threw into the third inning and 36 pitches with reported velocity in the mid-90s. His next step could be a Cactus League start early this week.

Luis Campusano

Luis Campusano is tasked with earning the backup catcher job and is getting lots of work behind the plate in every part of spring camp. He has shown increased focus and efficiency behind the plate, with a .966 fielding percentage in 5 games.

Team sale update

It was reported by both the San Diego Union-Tribune and The Athletic that a bid was placed last Wednesday by Vuori founder Joe Kudla and former San Diego Chargers quarterback Drew Brees for purchase of the Padres. That report was amended on Friday to state that there was no bid from that party and that they had expressed interest in being part of a bid by another party for the team.

That shortens the list of reported bidders to three groups. Joe Lacob, owner of the Golden State Warriors, Jose E. Feliciano who owns English Premier League Chelsea and Dan Friedkin, who owns Italian Serie A Roma and English Premier League Everton.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die.../54030/padres-have-many-decisions-this-spring
 
ST Game 11: Athletics at San Diego Padres

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MESA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Marco Gonzales #32 of the San Diego Padres pitches during a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 24, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Marco Gonzales - Getty Images

Athletics at San Diego Padres, March 2, 2026, 12:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


A look at today’s lineup. pic.twitter.com/lLqryO6WgH

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 2, 2026
Ready to rock 🤘 pic.twitter.com/chAz6vQeQi

— Athletics (@Athletics) March 2, 2026


Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/spring-...4083/st-game-11-athletics-at-san-diego-padres
 
World Baseball Classic is here!

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TUCSON, ARIZONA - MARCH 03: The World Baseball Classic logo is seen during the game three of the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers between Brazil and Germany at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on March 03, 2025 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Wednesday is the first game of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. All seven of the Padres involved left the team over the weekend. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wandy Peralta joined the Dominican Republic team for an exhibition in the DR. Xander Bogaerts joined the Netherlands team in Florida for their exhibition against Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

Mason Miller joined the USA team in Arizona for their exhibition against the Rockies on Wednesday. Pitchers Ron Marinaccio and Alek Jacob joined the Italy team in Arizona for their exhibition against the Angels on Wednesday.

Minor league players for the Padres are also involved in the WBC. RHP Michael Cienfuegos will be with Panama, LHP Omar Cruz and RHP Victor Lizarraga will join Mexico, Carter Loewen joins Canada and RHP Josh Mallitz will be on the Israel team.

The official first game of the Classic will be on Wednesday between Chinese Taipei and Australia in Tokyo. That game will be broadcast on FS1 at 7 p.m. PT. All the other games that day will be the exhibition games between WBC teams and spring teams for their MLB organizations.

Schedule and locations

Here is the link for the full WBC schedule: https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/schedule/2026-03-03/www.mlb.com

The WBC has four locations with five teams in each location. The tournament is a four-pool round robin with a single-elimination quarterfinal and a semi-final and championship round that will take place in Miami. Pool play will take place March 5-11 with quarterfinals March 13-14. The semi-finals will be March 15-16 and the championship game on March 17.

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Team rosters

The information on each team and their rosters can be found here: https://www.mlb.com/world-baseball-classic/teams

The Padres will play Team Great Britain for their exhibition in Peoria on Wednesday and it will be televised on Padres.TV/MLB.TV at 12:10 p.m. PT.

Team USA features a loaded roster that includes Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes and Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal as well as Padres closer Mason Miller as their closer.

Padres third baseman Manny Machado is the captain of the Dominican team, an official designation that will be displayed on his uniform for the DR.

Power rankings

MLB.com polled 20 members of their staff to power rank the WBC teams. Over the previous five tournaments, there have only been three countries to win the championship. The Dominican Republic has won once, the USA have won once and Japan has taken the title three times.

Those three teams continue to rank in the top three for the current tournament, with Japan ranked first, the USA second and the DR third.

All games will be carried on Fox channels, including Spanish language game broadcasts. Fox Sports, Fox, FS1, FS2 and Tubi are all carrying games during the tournament. Refer to the schedule for specific games and times. The USA has their first game Friday versus Brazil and that will be on Fox at 5 p.m. PT.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-diego-padres-news/54107/world-baseball-classic-is-here
 
ST Game 12: San Diego Padres at Chicago White Sox

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Peoria, AZ - February 19: Nick Pivetta #27 of the San Diego Padres throws during a spring training practice on February 19, 2026 in Peoria, AZ. (Photo by K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images)

San Diego Padres at Chicago White Sox, March 3, 2026, 12:05 p.m. PST

Watch: None

Location: Camelback Ranch – Glendale, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Tuesday at Camelback Ranch. pic.twitter.com/RaeiMdklIM

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 3, 2026
A look at today's lineup ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/qiUcAn12qs

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 3, 2026


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Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/spring-...game-12-san-diego-padres-at-chicago-white-sox
 
Nick Castellanos powers Padres back into win column

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PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 25: Nick Castellanos #21 of the San Diego Padres greets teammates in the dugout after scoring during the sixth inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The San Deigo Padres got back in the win column with a 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz. on Tuesday. It was good for the Padres to get a win, but the best part of the day was seeing Nick Castellanos connect on a two-run home run to left field in the top of the third inning to put San Diego up 2-1. It was no secret that the veteran outfielder was brought into the Padres organization with the expectation that he would provide some of the power the team severely lacked in the 2025 season.

Go ahead, Casty 😤 pic.twitter.com/RJ0sNUkWOq

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 3, 2026

Castellanos drove in Miguel Andujar, who was also added to the roster this offseason to provide additional pop, and both players had solid offensive days at the plate. Andujar walked in the first inning and Castellanos followed with a double. In the top of the third Andujar singled before Castellanos homered. Andujar singled in the fifth, but Castellanos grounded into a double play. Castellanos finished the day 2-for-3 with a home run, a double and two RBI with a run scored. Andujar finished the day 2-for-2 with two singles, a walk and a run scored.

The Padres entered the top of the eighth inning with the game tied, 3-3. Rodolfo Duran worked a one-out walk and was followed immediately by Francisco Acuna who doubled to left, which allowed Duran to score to put San Diego ahead by a run. Back-to-back groundouts ended the inning, but Padres reliever Bradgley Rodriguez and Francis Pena combined to work two hitless and scoreless innings. The only runner to reach for the White Sox in the final two innings was Matt Hogan who drew a five-pitch walk off Rodriguez.

Francisco Acuna adds on! pic.twitter.com/WD8GysNki5

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 3, 2026

Nick Pivetta made his second start of the spring season and finished three innings. He allowed two runs on six hits with one strikeout and one walk. The third run scored by Chicago came off Adrian Morejon who threw one inning and allowed a run on two hits, but he did have two strikeouts.

The Friar Faithful will get to see the return of Joe Musgrove when the Padres play an exhibition game against Great Britain at the Peoria Sports Complex on Wednesday at 12:10 p.m.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/game-recaps/54159/nick-castellanos-powers-padres-back-into-win-column
 
ST Game 13: Great Britain at San Diego Padres

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MESA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Rodolfo Duran #48 of the San Diego Padres swings and hits the ball during a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park on February 24, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Great Britain at San Diego Padres, March 4, 2026, 12:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Dungan will replace Miranda in today’s starting lineup, playing 3B and batting 4th. https://t.co/yaE0RUMPCU pic.twitter.com/Iv0r0LLOAR

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 4, 2026


Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
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GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die.../st-game-13-great-britain-at-san-diego-padres
 
Joe Musgrove takes mound for Padres, game ends in 2-2 tie

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PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 4: Joe Musgrove #44 of the San Diego Padres pitches during a World Baseball Classic scrimmage against Great Britain at Peoria Stadium on March 4, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It probably was not the exact start Joe Musgrove had in mind for his return to the mound in the San Diego Padres’ 2-2 tie with Great Britain at the Peoria Sports Complex on Wednesday, but it was positive. He got one out in the first inning, allowed a run and was taken out with the bases loaded and one out. Reliever Johan Moreno came into the game and recorded back-to-back strikeouts of Trayce Thompson and Nick Ward to end the inning and leave the bases loaded.

Musgrove returned to the mound to start the second inning and recorded a strikeout and a flyout against the first two batters. He then allowed a single to Nate Eaton, who advanced to second base on a wild pitch. Musgrove then got Jazz Chisholm to pop out to end the inning, stranding Eaton in scoring position.

Musgrove returned to start the third inning and recorded a groundout before allowing a single to BJ Murray. Musgrove followed that with a strikeout of Matt Koperniak for the second out of the inning, which ended Musgrove’s day on the mound.

Welcome back, Java Joe 💛 pic.twitter.com/kcy1WPKSTG

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 4, 2026

Musgrove threw a total of 60 pitches with 36 of those pitches going for strikes. His final stat line was two innings pitched with one run allowed on five hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Musgrove left the outing with his fastest pitching topping 95 mph and used an array of fastballs and off-speed pitches.

Joe Musgrove shared his thoughts on his first outing of the spring after missing all of the 2025 season: pic.twitter.com/4WZGDGRxXZ

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 4, 2026

The most important part of the outing was that Musgrove walked off the mound healthy and officially kicked off his return to the MLB mound, which is expected to occur sometime during the season-opening series against the Detroit Tigers on March 26-28 at Petco Park.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...e-takes-mound-for-padres-game-ends-in-2-2-tie
 
ST Game 14: San Diego Padres at Seattle Mariners

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - MARCH 3: Jase Bowen #45 of the San Diego Padres stands on-deck during a Spring Training game against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on March 3, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Diego Padres at Seattle Mariners, March 5, 2026, 12:10 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Peoria Sports Complex – Peoria, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Buehler on the bump. pic.twitter.com/FEiOvwlYk4

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 5, 2026
La Piedra gets the rock 💪🪨 pic.twitter.com/FHpJxS6R9H

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) March 5, 2026


Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
  • Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...-game-14-seattle-mariners-at-san-diego-padres
 
From number one prospect to 162-game suspension

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SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 27: Jurickson Profar #7 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to a wild pitch during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

In 2013, the consensus number one prospect in all of MLB was Jurickson Profar. The switch-hitting shortstop for the Texas Rangers was turning heads with his elite combination of power, speed and defense.

It’s hard to forget the miraculous year that Profar had in 2024 with the San Diego Padres. Unfortunately, that season is stained by the PED suspension that caused Profar to miss 80 games last year.

Yesterday came news that Profar tested positive for PED usage for the second time in as many years. This forfeits the $15 million he’s owed by the Atlanta Braves for the 2026 year and keeps him out of MLB until 2027.

So what happened to Jurickson Profar? How did the former number one prospect fall so far from grace?

It’s not totally his fault​


Injuries have wrecked Profar’s career, plaguing him since he was a prospect. In fact, right after being labeled the top prospect in the game, he was diagnosed with a shoulder injury that kept him out for both the 2014 and ‘15 seasons, halting his entrance into MLB.

Following his rehab, Profar came back for the Rangers and struggled at the big-league level. He hit .222 in three more years with Texas before being traded to the Oakland Athletics prior to the 2019 season.

Hopes of improvement in his new environment were dashed as Profar only hit .218, but it was his second consecutive season with 20-plus homers. So, when the offseason came, Profar was again on the trade block, and Oakland sent him to the Padres.

Tenure in San Diego​


Profar has been more successful with the Friars than any other team, and it’s not even close. Across five years he’s hit .265/.350/.401 with 51 home runs. He was also a part of the 2022 San Diego team that made a World Series run which ended in heartbreaking fashion against the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS.

But prior to ‘24 his bat was middling at best. So, when Profar became a free agent after the ‘22 season, he signed a $7.75 million deal with the Colorado Rockies. And he performed so poorly there that the team released him (a Colorado team that only won 59 games in ‘23, by the way).

After being released, the Padres scooped him back up for the back stretch of the season where he began to flash promise, hitting .295 across 14 games.

The (besmirched) turnaround​


The best year of Profar’s career, by a lot, was 2024. He was the starting left fielder in San Diego, finishing with a .280/.380/.459 slash line, mashing a career-high 24 home runs. More than that, he was an All-Star and a key piece of getting the Padres to the postseason.

After that season he was a free agent again and (due to a payroll crunch Padres’ fans know all too well) Profar left San Diego for Atlanta. The club signed him to a three-year, $42 million contract, expecting him to be their starting left fielder.

In a fun twist of fate, Profar played the first game of the ‘25 season at Petco Park, but with his new team, as the Padres faced the Braves to open the year. That would be the only action he saw for a while, with MLB handing down its 80-game suspension as opening weekend wrapped up.

After returning from his suspension, he hit at a decent .245 clip with 14 home runs across only 80 games for Atlanta. The team went into the offseason excited to finally get a full year of Profar in ‘26.

Then came the news early Tuesday morning that Profar had been suspended 162 games, forfeiting the $15 million he was owed for the season. If he is caught a third time, he’ll face a lifetime ban from MLB.

In the heat of the 2024 offseason it felt like Padres general manager A.J. Preller was dragging his feet by not re-signing Profar. And when news came that San Diego hadn’t even extended him an offer to return, fans were upset.

But looking back, it seems that this is a move the Friar Faithful can be grateful for not having made. The Braves have been forced to scramble for outfield help while the Padres have managed to figure it out without the burden of an expensive contract.

And, whether you love him or hate him, you can thank Preller for that.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...om-number-one-prospect-to-162-game-suspension
 
Dominican Republic poised to challenge USA, Japan for 2026 WBC title

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Dominican Republic 3B Manny Machado (Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Major League Baseball Spring Training clubhouses in Florida and Arizona have thinned out this week, as the 2026 World Baseball Classic has officially begun. Tournament games will take place across the United States, Japan and Puerto Rico.

Team USA and defending champion Japan are the prohibitive favorites. However, do not count out the Dominican Republic spoiling their party.

The Dominican Republic has a loaded roster​


Do not forget the D.R. went undefeated (8-0) to win the 2013 WBC at AT&T Park in San Francisco.

View Link

Much like their rivals, the Dominican Republic has a loaded roster that features San Diego Padres Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. The lineup is filled with star power, headlined by MVP-caliber players like Juan Soto, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodriguez.

Pujols has “unfinished business”​


After a disappointing early exit in the 2023 WBC, D.R. named Albert Pujols as team manager. Widely regarded as one of baseball’s premier leaders, Pujols has assembled the deepest roster in this year’s tournament, but it will not matter unless he can lead them to victory.

His message to the team is simple: they have unfinished business. Pujols expects to out-slug their opponents in pool and knockout round play.

The players are eager to showcase their skills on a global stage and prove that the world’s best baseball is played in the Dominican Republic.

Pitching is key to capturing the WBC title​


Unlike past tournaments, the D.R. has two quality starting pitchers, who are in the prime of their careers. Former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara and last season’s National League Cy Young runner-up Cristopher Sanchez must combine to deliver quality starts in the pool and knockout rounds. It will be their job to hand the ball over to the bullpen.

Remember, the WBC imposes strict pitch count limits — 65 in the first round, 80 in the quarterfinals, and 95 in the championship — so Pujols will have to monitor his pitching staff’s usage. It could limit him to playing match-up baseball late in games.

He has constructed a deep, dominant pen, as it holds three high-velocity arms in Abner Uribe, Camilo Doval and Carlos Estevez. Each pitcher can work in the setup and closer position. Any combination can effectively close out games.

A major advantage for the Dominican Republic is that they could play the entire WBC inside Loan Depot Park in Miami. The benefit is the massive local Dominican community that could provide a home-field advantage in each round.

Call it an “Olympic hangover,” but I am craving another high-stakes, winner-take-all international competition. Suddenly, the WBC could become must-see television for the world.

It will be up to the stars of the sport to capture the same magic as the men and women of the recent Olympic hockey competition. They must play with the same intensity that commandeers national pride from the stadium crowds and home viewers.

Everyone should want the WBC to become the perfect opening stanza for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. It could force the owners and the players association to reconsider the use of big league talent in the Olympics, especially if there is a financial benefit to be gained by both sides.

A more realistic goal is for the games to be exciting and serve as the ideal prelude to the 2026 MLB regular season.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/mlb-new...sed-to-challenge-usa-japan-for-2026-wbc-title
 
2026 Spring Breakout showcases top prospects

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The 3rd annual MLB Spring Breakout showcases the top prospects in baseball, including the San Diego Padres top players in their minor league system. Ninety-one of the top 100 prospects have been named to be included in the rosters for the 16 games that will be played between March 19-22.

This will be the last year that the present format will be in place. Beginning next season, and including 2028, the format will change to a single-elimination style tournament with two teams crowned champions. The Cactus League will have a champion from their 15 teams and the Grapefruit League will have a champion from their 15 teams. The new format doesn’t begin this year in order to not compete with the WBC.

The top 100 prospects in MLB include No. 4 Leo DeVries, traded by the Padres to the Athletics in exchange for Mason Miller and JP Sears. The A’s also received ranked prospects Braden Nett, Henry Baez and Eduarniel Nuñez, all of whom are currently on the A’s roster for the game.

MLB No. 1 prospect, SS Konnor Griffin, and No. 2 prospect, SS Kevin McGonigle, will play against each other when the Pittsburgh Pirates (Griffin) match up with the Detroit Tigers (McGonigle) on March 20 at 4:35 p.m. PT on MLB Network.

The No. 3 MLB prospect, SS/2B Jesus Made, will play for the Milwaukee Brewers against the No. 4 prospect, SS Leo DeVries for the A’s on March 22 at 1:05 p.m. PT on MLB Network. Eight of the 16 games will be broadcast live on MLBN while the other games are carried on their respective team networks or on MLB.TV.

San Diego Padres​


The Friars play their breakout game on March 21 versus the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz. at 6:05 p.m. PT on Padres.TV and broadcast on 97.3 FM The Fan, their flagship radio station. MLB.com released its new top 30 prospects for the Padres this past week. Lefty starting pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft is now ranked as the top prospect in the system. Although he has only pitched 1.2 innings of professional baseball, Schoolcraft has huge upside and is being ranked solely on that assessment.

Catcher Ethan Salas, the No. 2 Padres prospect, is still admired for his defensive attributes but is no longer considered a balanced player with his offense not showing well in his limited time above low-A ball. After missing most of the past season, Salas will have to prove himself as a hitter to regain his position as a top prospect in MLB.

The rosters for the teams are including the full top 30 prospects for each team and additional players added per the organization’s desire to have the largest pool of players to choose from. On March 18, the rosters will be trimmed to 23-27 players per team and that will be the final roster for the games.

The Padres have all 30 of their top prospects as well as players recently brought over from the Dominican Summer League to begin their training on US soil and be assigned to a US team. International players to note include SS/2B Jhoan De La Cruz, who helped lead his DSL team to the championship last season. Taiwanese righty Lan-Hong Su and RHP Jeferson Villabona were added from the international ranks. SS Dylan Grego, who was drafted in 2025 and both of the newly drafted catchers, Ty Harvey and Truitt Madonna, are on the original list.

The Cubs top rated prospect, MLB No. 55 catcher Moises Ballesteros, headlines their roster and RHP Jaxon Wiggins, the No. 58 MLB prospect, will likely start the game for the Cubs. The Padres have multiple pitchers who could start but Schoolcraft is the only one ranked on MLB Pipeline and he sits at No. 88.

There will be an updated Padres roster and a game preview after the final rosters are announced.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die.../2026-spring-breakout-showcases-top-prospects
 
ST Game 16: San Diego Padres at Cleveland Guardians

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PEORIA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 25: Michael King #34 of the San Diego Padres warms up during the first inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Peoria Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images) | Getty Images

San Diego Padres at Cleveland Guardians, March 7, 2026, 12:05 p.m. PST

Watch: Padres.TV

Location: Goodyear Ballpark – Goodyear, AZ

Listen: 97.3 The Fan


Saturday baseball on deck. pic.twitter.com/Sn5vHXzDgl

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 7, 2026
Back-to-back home games? It's a beautiful thing.#GuardsSpring pic.twitter.com/waZv8WK1ID

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) March 7, 2026


Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

  • Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
  • Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
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GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/san-die...me-16-san-diego-padres-at-cleveland-guardians
 
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