Because the 2025 common season continues, listed below are three issues we’ll be keeping track of across the baseball world right now:
1. Padres scrambling in middle?
The Padres’ lineup took a serious hit when Jackson Merrill went on the injured checklist with a hamstring pressure earlier this week, however that damage looms even bigger now that outfielder Brandon Lockridge is affected by a hamstring situation of his personal. Lockridge hasn’t hit a lot (58 wRC+) in a part-time position this 12 months, however he figured to get expanded alternatives because the membership’s middle fielder whereas Merrill is out of motion. As famous by Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Lockridge seems to have averted important harm however is day-to-day on account of irritation in his hamstring.
If Lockridge is unable to play, the Padres’ choices in middle are shaky at greatest. Jason Heyward has loads of expertise however solely performed seven innings there in 2024 and is now in his age-35 season. Oscar Gonzalez and Tyler Wade have each made token appearances in middle over their MLB careers, however a 40-man roster transfer to carry up a non-roster participant like Tim Locastro could also be so as if Lockridge finally ends up lacking time. One different possibility may very well be sliding Fernando Tatis Jr. over to middle subject. He has simply 12 video games of expertise on the place however has expressed curiosity in taking part in there extra regularly prior to now.
2. Sequence Preview: Cubs @ Padres
Talking of the Padres, they’re getting into a sequence that would wind up serving as a preview of a playoff matchup if the 2 taking part groups proceed their sizzling begins to the season. The Cubs have gained 4 consecutive sequence and are 11-7 total, and so they’re arriving in San Diego to face a Padres membership that’s 13-3 to this point this 12 months. Two of these three losses got here in Chicago simply final week, however the Padres are undefeated in 10 residence video games thus far within the season. The sequence kicks off at 6:40pm native time this night, with right-hander Dylan Stop set to take the mound towards the workforce that drafted him reverse Jameson Taillon. After right now’s sport, the perimeters could have two rematches from final week’s sequence with Randy Vasquez and Nick Pivetta each toeing the rubber for the Padres reverse Shota Imanaga and Matthew Boyd.
3. Pitchers’ duel in St. Louis:
The Cardinals are internet hosting the Astros at 6:45pm CT to kick off this week’s three-game sequence, and each groups are sending their aces to the mound for right now’s contest. Veteran right-hander Sonny Grey has had a little bit of a tough begin to his age-35 season, with a 4.50 ERA over his first three begins, however he seemed extra like himself his final day out towards the Pirates when he shut down Pittsburgh’s offense with 5 innings of three-hit ball. Southpaw Framber Valdez, in the meantime, has seemed nearly as good as ever as he kicks off his last 12 months earlier than free company. He’s posted a 2.50 ERA and struck out 29.6% of opponents over his first three begins, together with six scoreless innings the place he struck out eight Mariners and held Seattle to simply two hits his final day out.
