Quote from Jeremy Hill on June 26, 2026, 11:23 pm

Song is starting to look slightly better at the plate, but his already small role would shrink even more with Cronenworth back. Bowen looks completely overmatched at the plate. He's fine if all they want him to do is run and play defense. Both he and Song would probably be better off playing more regularly in the minors. I would lean towards sending Song down when Cronenworth is activated just because the roster fit is slightly better with an extra outfielder. Wagner is putting together solid ABs. I think he deserves to stick. Cronenworth was off to a horrible start even before the concussion. Wagner can be a solid bench bat and provide insurance if Cronenworth doesn't produce.

Quote from Jeremy Hill on June 30, 2026, 7:42 am

With the way things are going with the rotation I think they're going to have to give Brito a shot at some point. One other guy I have my eye on is Eric Yost. He's been good at AA. Interestingly, he is absolutely dominating right handed hitters. They're only hitting .085/.305/.113 off of him. Lefties have been more of a challenge as they're hitting .240/.363/.481 off of him. I wonder if he's a guy who could be used strategically to provide a lift at some point.

Quote from fenn68 on June 30, 2026, 8:49 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on June 30, 2026, 7:42 am

With the way things are going with the rotation I think they're going to have to give Brito a shot at some point. One other guy I have my eye on is Eric Yost. He's been good at AA. Interestingly, he is absolutely dominating right handed hitters. They're only hitting .085/.305/.113 off of him. Lefties have been more of a challenge as they're hitting .240/.363/.481 off of him. I wonder if he's a guy who could be used strategically to provide a lift at some point.

Brito clearly is on track for a call-up. Highly unlikely the Padres can get five serviceable starters out of what they have now ... and at the trade deadline maybe one add. (note if they fall out of playoff contention a slam dunk call-up).

Note that Brito is in his last minor league option year ... so seeing him in the ML in 2026 and evaluating his projection will be critical in setting up the strategy for 2027. He likely makes the 2027 ML roster (just based on limited options) but SP or RP needs to be determined.

 

Quote from Randy Manese on June 30, 2026, 9:03 am

Padres have some decisions to make concerning Marquez and Waldron which are made even tougher by injuries to relief pitchers and SPs they brought in to better the rotation.  If they are certain that Estrada and Morgan can come back NLT the All-star break, then both look like they'll be DFA'd rather than activated once their rehab periods end.  Hart and/or Sears can muddle through a few starts until we get a clearer picture on what Giolito and Canning can actually contribute and whether Vasquez can regain his form or Pivetta his health.

There are so many if's on this staff that Brito likely will get a shot but wouldn't be surprised if they might push up Wolf; don't think Yost is ready - needs to be stretched out more and as he said in his interview he needs to reduce his walks, which currently are at over 6 per 9 innings ratio.  Other than internally, the help is more likely to come at the trade deadline and what the new owners are willing to commit to - not a lot available in FA after the 26 season and Padres have few valued trading chips.  Preller has his work cut out for him.

Quote from fenn68 on June 30, 2026, 10:15 am

I think Marquez' rehab stint ends on Thursday or Friday ... so, keeping control of all options for now ... option Sears and activate Marquez seems likely.

I think they have to the All-Star break before Waldron ends his rehab (and a decision has to be made) ... the others on the IL just can linger there to the All-Star break.

 

 

Quote from Jeremy Hill on June 30, 2026, 5:57 pm

Just noticed that Salas is back in the Missions lineup tonight. That's good to see.