SAN DIEGO-- Luís Arráez most certainly will not win a fourth consecutive batting title. The three-time batting champion, who became the first player in Major League history to win three straight batting titles for three different teams, is also not having the season he or the team expected in a walk season.
"It's been okay," said Arraez. "It's not a great season but for me it's a good year because we are in second place."
Arraez, who is slashing .282/.317/.385, down from posting .314/.346/.385 in 2024, was not in the the starting lineup in the Padres series finale versus the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. He says he understands that difficult decisions have to be made as the Padres search for a winning offensive formula amid their playoff chase.
"I understand, I understand," said Arraez from a quiet Padres clubhouse. "If he (Shildt) benches me or gives me a day off, I take it. He's the manager, I'm here to support the team, to win games."
Along with Dylan Cease, Michael King, Robert Suarez and Ryan O'Hearn, Arraez will be a free agent after the 2025 season. Although it appears to be unlikely, Arraez hopes to return to San Diego.
"The San Diego Padres mean a lot because they gave me a lot of opportunity, especially play here in the beautiful city and right to the beautiful fans. The crowd here is every day full and I love San Diego. I love San Diego. I hope I continue to do my job there and try to do something good for the fans because a lot of fans support me."
And yes, Arraez was all too aware of online criticism from Padres fans who wanted him moved down in the lineup, if not benched.
"A lot of them are not happy with me but I'm human. They've got to understand I'm a human. I go there, I work hard every day and try to do my job. I know the fans, I know the fans. It's not my first year in the big league but I know a lot of fans are frustrated and they try to text us a lot of bad things, but it's ok. I'll take it, I'll take it. It's a lot of gasoline for me."
Notable
Padres manager Mike Shildt says JP Sears will start on Friday versus the Colorado Rockies in order to give some rest to their starters. "Everybody is going to get an extra day." That includes Dylan Cease starting Saturday, Yu Darvish on Sunday, and Michael King and Nick Pivetta getting the nod Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, versus the New York Mets... Xander Bogaerts (foot fracture) was cleared for "light" baseball activities on Wednesday. Bogaerts, who worked out with trainers on the field, threw and did some side-to-side drills, remains optimistic he can return before the playoffs.
Quotable
"Kind of boring with these answers but obviously simple, we can do better."
Fernando Tatís, following the Padres 2-1 loss to the Reds, on repeated questions about the Padres offensive struggles. Wait, are you saying the media asks boring questions?