SAN DIEGO-- Hours before the Padres and Cubs played their series finale at Petco Park, outfielders Jackson Merrill and Brandon Lockridge worked out with trainers as they continued to rehab their respective hamstring injuries, dribbling and high-stepping in the outfield.
It is progress to be sure, and gave hope to elated Padres fans but it will be some time before both players are ready to return to the lineup. But despite the loss of Merrill and second baseman Jake Cronenworth, San Diego (15-4) has compiled the best record in baseball, thanks to excellent starting pitching, the depth of their bullpen and an offense led by Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado.
Hello, hamstring.#Padres Jackson Merrill and Brandon Lockridge getting in some rehab work@SportingTrib pic.twitter.com/BuPLNwHJzE
— Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) April 16, 2025
It's just stars being stars, right?
But is the top of the Padres star-laden lineup enough to overcome the deficiencies of the middle and bottom of the order? It is something they may soon have to discover, whether it's the newly recalled Tyler Wade, Connor Joe, Oscar Gonzalez or unproductive Yuli Gurriel.
The answer for the short-term time being, appears to be yes.
Wade, whom the Padres recalled when Cronenworth was placed on injured reserve, became the latest member of the Padres "grit squad" to make an impact, going two-for-two with two walks and two runs scored in the Friars' 4-2 win over the Cubs.
"Guys like Wadey, who was a big part of our club last year, helped us win games," said manager Mike Shildt. "We know what we’re getting. We know he can come up. And it was on display today, four outstanding at-bats, two runs scored. Makes a nice play to lead off the ninth inning. He’s a great energy guy. He’s just an important part of the club.”
Wade cited his and the Padres unfinished business when he was first called up from triple A El-Paso, saying he always knew San Diego was where he wanted to be and the value that he brings on and off the field.
"It's something that I bring and it's the value that I take pride in," said Wade. "Hitting a single or taking a walk is the same thing, right? For me, getting on base for the top of the lineup turns it over and that just adds an extra layer of pressure for the pitcher and the defense and normally when that happens, you get more mistakes for those guys. I'm just trying to get to first base whether it's a walk, bunt, whatever it is. Just to set tone for the big boys at the top and let them do their thing."
"He came in right away with the right mentality," said Tatís of his locker mate. "He just followed whatever we were doing here and I'm happy he's here with us. Just a lot of energy, great ballplayer, he's going to do the small things and he's a really huge part of this group."
Likewise the 27-year-old Gonzalez, whom the Padres called up after Merrill's injury in Sacramento, is trying to make the most of an opportunity, hitting .286 with two RBI and hitting safely in three of his four outfield starts. Gonzalez relishes his opportunity while absorbing what he can from his talented teammates.
"It's huge for me, I like the opportunity that they give me and I had to do my best," Gonzalez said. "It's a lot of stars here and I try to learn every day about it and I try to play hard. I like to be around those guys."
Gonzalez says he's inspired by the longevity of fellow outfielder Jason Heyward and appreciates just talking with his fellow Dominican teammates, Machado and Tatís.
"Just talk. Talk. When they talk to you, you have to listen and make adjustments."
That's sage advice to follow on two stars who continue to deliver.
In Wednesday's rubber match versus the Cubs, the Padres employed a familiar recipe. Nick Pivetta threw six solid innings, scattering four hits and allowing one run with six strikeouts, Tatís and Machado each drove in a run in the Padres two-run third inning and added insurance runs in the seventh and eighth, and the bullpen of Jeremiah Estrada, Wandy Peralta and Robert Suarez preserved the 4-2 lead.
"Those guys are extraordinary what they're doing," said Pivetta. "They're running a really hot hand right now as everybody can see. But it comes down to the day-to-day and everybody's doing their job day-to-day."
Noteable
Shildt said Merrill and Lockridge will stay behind in San Diego to continue their rehab, including the next step of jogging while the Padres are on the road...Robert Suarez notched his league-leading 8th save in as many opportunities, he has yet to allow a run...Wade was two-for-two with two walks in his second start of the season...Padres drew 41, 562 in their finale vs. the Cubs, their 11th sellout in 13 home games... Padres acquired outfielder Bryce Johnson and cash considerations from the Pittsburgh Pirates in chance for catcher Brett Sullivan...San Diego has an off-day Thursday before starting a six-game road trip in Houston and Detroit.