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Padres’ rotation race coming into focus
- Updated: January 5, 2017
SAN DIEGO — Like 29 other teams, the Padres would love to add some starting pitching before Spring Training begins.
“It’s as wide open as you could imagine a Major League rotation being,” Padres manager Andy Green said last month.
But the rotation race — which once seemed impossible to decipher — has received a bit of clarity over the past few weeks. With Clayton Richard, Jhoulys Chacin and Tyrell Jenkins on board, the Padres now appear to have eight pitchers fighting for five spots. (We’ll say eight, because barring something unexpected, prospects Dinelson Lamet and Walker Lockett will start the season at Triple-A.)
There’s still plenty of time until the April 3 opener at Dodger Stadium. But the “wide-open” race for starting jobs finally has a shape. Here’s a breakdown of the candidates:
RICHARD
His case: Richard was very sharp in his return to the Padres last season, posting a 2.52 ERA over 11 appearances. He clearly loves pitching in San Diego, and his ground-ball rate over the final two months was the highest among starters.
Left to prove: His solid finish was only a small sample, and the Padres will be asking him to eat some serious innings this year. Plus, Richard’s peripherals — namely a 1.53 WHIP and a 4.19 FIP — don’t bode well.
Early verdict: The Padres re-signed Richard to be a veteran leader on a young pitching staff. It’s hard to envision a scenario in which a healthy Richard doesn’t make the rotation.
LUIS PERDOMO
His case: Perdomo’s second half is likely all the case he needs for a starting job in 2017. Once he got a feel for his sinker — still a very new pitch — Perdomo became the Padres’ most effective starter.
Left to prove: Perdomo’s sinker is undoubtedly a weapon. But the Padres would like to see the 23-year-old sophomore turn his breaking ball into a complementary out pitch. Plus, Perdomo needs to hone his command a bit to take the next step.
Early verdict: Unless Perdomo completely loses the feel for his sinker, he’ll be back in the rotation. (But don’t be surprised if the Padres send the youngster to Triple-A for a …
