Quote from BoosterSD on March 11, 2026, 8:37 am

Quote from fenn68 on March 11, 2026, 7:54 am

Consensus is that Song will start the season on the IL (no comments on duration ... as little as 10 day).

If  expected "short" ... does it make a lot of sense to add France (non-roster who will have to be added) then quickly be DFA when Song returns. In 10 days realistically how much work will France, Castellanos, Andujar, and Sheets get covering 1B/DH? Not sitting any of the other regulars this early in the season. Can the Padres realistically change the evaluation on all of these guys after a full ST with maybe just a few AB scattered over 10 days?

I think Song will be longer than 10 days on the IL. Just a gut feeling as I have seen nothing that backs that up. So I expect France to make the Opening Day roster. I believe that we are at 39 for the 40 man, with Hoeing, Darvish, and Waldron who can all be moved to the 60 day I think.

Quote from Randy Manese on March 11, 2026, 9:30 am

In my younger athletic days I had both injuries that Song and Matsui have and while every body is different, it could take more than a month to be fully healed from either injury and reduce the risk of re-aggravation.

There certainly is no rush in bringing Matsui back, so expect him to go well beyond the 15 days on the IL; expect Padres will try to move a RP to clear some salary/roster spot.  As for Song, see him out until the home series with the Rockies.  By that time, should have a good indication whether Castellanos or France is worth keeping.    Further, Bryce Johnson is likely on a short leash and maybe even Campusano, so the entire bench pieces could look much different in April than in March.  Can't discount Miranda, Samad Taylor has had his moments as has Duran and Solak, and surprisingly good performance by Pablo Reyes thus far both in the field and at the plate.

Quote from fenn68 on March 11, 2026, 11:34 am

Agree that Preller will keep doing "tinkering" well into the season. The bench is still needing upgrades (in my view) but actually finding upgrades (at a Preller price) is not easy. Also may want to hold a bit with limited trade chips until certain Musgrove - Pivetta - King are all healthy and the others are OK for a contender. That could turn into the prime upgrade target.

I guess one thing at a time ... have to deal with Buehler (non-roster) who has an opt out 5 days before opening day. If they add Buehler (likely with an open roster slot) then have to decide if they keep both Buehler and Marquez for opening day (maybe if Musgrove starts on IL) otherwise Marinaccio seems to be the odd man out with no options (trade candidate). Like the upside of Marinaccio (but doubt other teams value that too much so no big return) and he has 4 years control / league minimum. Does Preller keep Marinaccio and trade Estrada for a bigger return (assuming Adam is back or trust Rodriguez to backfill)?

Agree that we don't see Matsui for a long time (if ever) but have to believe when Waldron returns he goes directly to DFA. Hoeing is likely a 60 day IL ... season ending. Canning on the other hand (on the roster) will get activated ... by May? ... and bump (and lose) either Buehler or Marquez.

That is a lot of IF and THEN scenarios for Preller to project and may have him  keep a bit of restraint until at least some of the dominoes fall. Plus pitchers do get injured. Padres may be walking a thin line between a very good pitching staff and a "needy" staff.