How the Padres’ lineup handled the season’s first stress test
The Friars have scrambled to fill the lineup’s first major injury after Jake Cronenworth suffered a concussion.
Petco Park (Photo by Meg McLaughlin/Getty Images) | Getty Images Nine days ago, the San Diego Padres placed their starting second baseman, Jake Cronenworth, on the seven-day injured list. The bats have gone cold against quality starting pitching, and the loss of Cronenworth has completely paralyzed the Padres’ offense. It has left a noticeable void at the bottom of the order.
It is still unclear how severe his injury is or how long he will be gone. Keep in mind that concussions are rarely a two-week IL stint. The organization remains optimistic, but it would be reckless to put Cronenworth back in the lineup unless he is fully healthy.
Hopefully, this setback is short-term, and the two-time All-Star will be back in the fold soon. Padres’ offense needs to improve its run-scoring production The depleted lineup must find ways to score runs. Friars manager Craig Stammen has resorted to sacrificing defense to bolster the offense.
He inserted Nick Castellanos into the lineup as the primary rightfielder and moved Fernando Tatis Jr. to second. Unfortunately, the results have not been promising.