As we start the second month of the 2025 Main League Baseball season, the postseason pretenders and contenders begin to take form. Often, baseball followers don’t take note of the division standings till Memorial Day.
The San Diego Padres will state their case as a playoff contender, however they need to first patiently look ahead to the return of two starters to the lineup subsequent week. The addition of Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth brings excessive expectations for all.
The excellent news is each Merrill and Cronenworth have begun rehab work on the Padres sports activities advanced in Peoria. The goal dates for his or her return are Could 5 for Merrill and Could 9 for Cronenworth. Initially, every participant is likely to be eased into the lineup, as it could take a while to get their timing again within the area and on the plate.
The younger phenom would be the first to reach
The return of Merrill provides some pop to the lineup, which has been lacking a constant left-handed longball risk since he discovered himself on the damage record. After opening weekend, he appeared like a lock to signify the Friars on this season’s Mid-Summer season Basic. Merrill hit .378 with 3 HRs and 10 RBIs earlier than tweaking his proper hamstring.
It’s unknown if he can proceed at this tempo as soon as Merrill returns to the lineup. Nevertheless, there’s proof that he’ll proceed to assault the zone. His stance permits him to guard the within nook by shortening his stroke and pulling the ball over the primary base bag. Merrill’s stability within the field provides him sufficient plate safety to drive an out of doors pitch to the other area for an extra-base hit.
Additionally, let’s not neglect his worth as a plus glove in heart area. Sure, Tyler Wade has achieved a terrific job in his absence, however the return of Merrill is unwelcome information for hole hitters. He has been chasing down these drives since his rookie debut final season.
The early storm of inconsistent play that has hovered over the Padres may be blown out to sea if Merrill performs to his commonplace of excellence.
Cronenworth is a welcome left-handed bat
The Padres offense has missed Cronenworth’s potential to drag the ball down the road with runners in scoring place. Earlier than happening the IL, his hard-hit charge was 38.5%. Cronenworth’s common exit velocity was 89.6 MPH, above the league common of 88.2 MPH. Earlier than happening the IL, he was batting .257 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs in 12 video games.
The 2-time All-Star is attempting to earn his third look, as Cronenworth might be chosen solely for his distinctive fielding abilities at second base. He has a .938 fielding proportion with two errors in 32 probabilities. If Cronenworth can get a glove on a ball, he’ll make a play. Two months could also be lengthy sufficient to make a case for himself.
Iglesias deserves extra taking part in time
The return of Merrill and Cronenworth gives some lineup flexibility on the designated hitter’s place. It provides Padres supervisor Mike Shildt some choices because the season progresses. The Friar Devoted might even see extra of Jose Iglesias because the right-handed DH choice within the lineup.
Gavin Sheets has achieved a terrific job because the left-handed DH. He’s nonetheless producing on the similar charge as in spring coaching. However Iglesias deserves consideration for extra at-bats after being thrust into the lineup. He performed properly at second base in Cronenworth’s absence.
Iglesias is a talented hitter who produced 10 RBI in restricted at-bats. He has developed right into a precious depth piece off the bench. Now’s the time for Iglesias to turn into the right-handed DH if he isn’t taking part in within the area.
The Friars welcome again two versatile hitters who can bat wherever within the order. Merrill and Cronenworth have the plate self-discipline to attract a stroll, get a base hit, or energy the ball over the fence. On a given evening, you might see their identify posted wherever within the order.
Merrill and Cronenworth can recapture their earlier kind upon their return to the lineup. The Padres haven’t seemed like an entire staff with out them.
The wait is nearly over.
