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The San Diego Padres made a bid for their second comeback win of the week against the Chicago Cubs in their Spring Training Cactus League matchup in Mesa, Ariz. on Tuesday, but they came up short and lost, 6-5. It is well-known that teams do not put much stock into the final scores of Spring Training games, instead they focus on the approach at the plate or the execution of pitches on the mound. With that being the case, Padres manager Craig Stammen would have to be pleased with the individual results of guys like Nick Castellanos, who had a two-run double in the game, and Jose Miranda, who keeps playing a major role with regard to offensive production. The best thig about this time of year is a lot of players et to see a lot of time and the Friar Faithful get the benefit of seeing the regulars gear up for the season and the bubble players battle it out for a roster spot.
Padres News:
- Samad Taylor is one of the players fighting for a chance to make the San Diego roster out of Spring Training. Despite his 0-for-3 result on Tuesday, he has been hitting well to start the spring season. He also has the added benefit of speed, which is why Lincoln Zdunich of Gaslamp Ball thinks he will be in competition for a roster spot until the end of camp.
- Michael King re-signed with the Padres after testing free agency and it was the feel-good moment of the offseason. Dylan Cease signed with the Toronto Blue Jays and Yu Darvish had offseason surgery, which will cost him the 2026 season. The thought of losing King as well was almost too much for San Diego fans the handle and that is why his return to the organization has created hope for a successful season that sees the Padres return to the postseason.
- There is still debate among Padres fans about whether trading top prospect Leo De Vries to the Athletics for Mason Miller was worth it. De Vries is an unproven prospect who is projected for stardom and Miller is a proven big-league closer. The debate will wage on, but Miller filled an immediate need with the loss of closer Robert Suarez in free agency and he will officially step into his new role this season.
- Gavin Sheets had a strong Spring Training in 2025, which allowed him to earn a spot on the San Diego roster. He had a strong season and had big moments and was integral in helping the Padres reach the postseason. Sheets is being asked to perform once again as a first baseman/designated hitter platoon for 2026.
- Free agent pitcher German Marquez said he spoke with his former Colorado Rockies manager and now Padres special assistant to A.J. Preller before signing with San Diego. Black gave him insight as to how he could fit with the Padres and what he could get from the organization. This is one of the benefits of having Black back in San Diego. Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune looks at what Black can and does mean for the organization.
- Stammen revealed some bad news regarding starter Matt Waldron. He said the knuckleballer was going to be shut down after having surgery to treat an infection on his “rear end.” Stammen admitted this was a difficult time of year for Waldron to be sidelined, but that it was out of anyone’s control.
Baseball News:
- A day after it was revealed that Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal was only planning to make one start in the World Baseball Classic, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes said his plan is to make just two starts in the WBC.
- Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh launched his first home run of the spring with a 427-foot blast.
- The Atlanta Braves and pitcher Chris Sale agreed to a contract extension for the 2027 season that will pay him $27 million dollars. The deal reportedly includes a club option for 2028 for $30 million.
- Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Surez hit back-to-back home runs on Tuesday providing a preview of what Cincinnati Reds fans can expect this season.