Quote from ultratvfan on June 2, 2026, 6:24 pm

Once again the Padres offense could not get it done and they did have opportunities.

Good performance by Vasquez.

Quote from fenn68 on June 2, 2026, 6:38 pm

Nothing out of Machado, Merrill, or Bogaerts ... again.

Bowen looked way over matched ... not only 3 K but 3 K where he was just flaying away on outside stuff and missing by a lot. May have a short time in the ML.

Fermin ... we know he is not hitting ... but beginning to worry about his defense (specifically throwing) despite his history of a plus defender. Twice today and in a previous game his throws to 2B we way off. Might be an IL candidate when Campy returns. Hit in the head a lot on foul tips ... maybe a similar issue as with Cronenworth impacting both his offense and defense? His history is a lot better both offensively and defensively.

Quote from Jeremy Hill on June 2, 2026, 9:30 pm

Another stupid out on the bases to compound the struggles. As frustrating as it is to see so many guys scuffling at the plate, I am more annoyed by how many dumb mistakes we seem to make.

Bowen looked awful. I'm not exaggerating in saying his AB to end it was amongst the worst I've ever seen. I'm hoping he was just extra jumpy dealing with some nerves. He must have swung at a half dozen balls in the other batter's box. Even his single was a bad swing decision. He's never going to make it in the big leagues with that approach.

Looking at the upcoming schedule they need to figure something out offensively quickly. They'll be dead in the water by the All-Star break if they don't.

Quote from fenn68 on June 3, 2026, 7:59 am

I guess this just reinforces the caution of being too quick to promote players based on relatively short burst of success ... and not considering the relative performance of those around them just because of a need (wish) for better.

Bowen had some nice stats ... in isolation vs ML stats ... but look at the stats for EP and his average is not better than the likes of SS McCoy (who has proven he can't hit in the ML) and a number of players that are at best AAAA types with no ML success. Maybe no better alternative to call-up ... but Bowen was not protected by PITT for a reason after last season.

Similar is the fate of Alex McCoy in FW ... blazing hot in April (calls to promote him) but now the word has got around and May was mediocre.

Sort of why organizations like to wait at least a half a year to properly evaluate the readiness of a player to get moved up.

Take that caution when chanting for the promotion of Salas to the ML now. Few hitters have successfully made mid-season jumps from AA to the ML Might not get what you want.

Quote from fenn68 on June 3, 2026, 11:42 am

The Padres announced that first baseman/outfielder Nick Castellanoshas been designated for assignment. Infielder/outfielder Samad Taylorhas been selected to take his place on the active and 40-man rosters.

Quote from fenn68 on June 3, 2026, 11:49 am

This combined with the Bowen move (and performance yesterday) might make for some alignment changes now ... and when Laureano returns.

Could see a stabilized OF of Sheets - Merrill - Tatis with France at 1B and Andujar DH. Then the "gamble" goes with a Song / Taylor platoon at 2B. When Laureano returns ... and if the Song / Taylor 2B does not work out might see Tatis back to 2B and Laureano in RF.

Basically we have about a week for Bowen, Song, Taylor to justify being in the ML and starting. Taylor can run, play INF and OF ... so in a "toss-up" might get the advantage as a versatile bench piece ... guess Johnson is also in that mix.

Quote from ultratvfan on June 3, 2026, 3:05 pm

We should not judge Jase Bowen on one MLB game.

Quote from ultratvfan on June 3, 2026, 3:09 pm

Game 2 Lineup

1. Tatis 2B

2. Andujar DH

3. Machado 3B

4. Sheets LF

5. Bogaerts SS

6. France 1B

7. Merrill CF

8. Bowen RF

9. Duran C

Buehler P

Quote from fenn68 on June 3, 2026, 4:50 pm

Before the season both SD and PHIL were viewed as having strong offenses ... hard to believe but YTD in runs scored in MLB:

#29 PHIL (233) ... Schwarber, Harper, Turner, Marsh, etc

#30 SD (229) ... Machado, Tatis, Merrill, Bogaerts, etc.

It is a strange season not only for SD.