Opening Day 2014: Looking At The National League West
By Phil Watson
The Padres are just the latest team to be teased by the talent and tormented by the injury history of Josh Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
4. San Diego Padres
Last year: 76-86, tied for third place
Projected finish: Fourth place
What’s New: RHP Joaquin Benoit (Detroit), RHP Josh Johnson (Toronto), OF Seth Smith (Oakland), LHP Alex Torres (Tampa Bay).
Who’s Gone: INF Logan Forsythe (Tampa Bay), RHP Luke Gregerson (Oakland), OF Mark Kotsay (retired).
Who’s Down: LHP Cory Luebke (60-day DL, Tommy John surgery), Joe Wieland (15-day DL, right elbow surgery), LF Carlos Quentin (15-day DL, bruised left knee), CF Cameron Maybin (15-day DL, ruptured left biceps tendon), RHP Casey Kelly (15-day DL, recovering from Tommy John surgery), RHP Josh Johnson (15-day DL, right forearm strain).
Outlook: San Diego did pick up an Opening Night win on Sunday, getting a strong outing from Andrew Cashner. But one of the perceived strengths for the Padres—starting pitching depth—took a huge hit with the injuries to Cory Luebke (gone for the year), Joe Weiland (might be back around the All-Star break) and Josh Johnson (maybe a return in late April). The Padres aren’t built to slug with anybody, but will be looking for a bounce-back year from free-agent-to-be Chase Headley, who slumped to .250/.347/.400 with 13 homers and 50 RBI after finishing in the top five in the MVP voting in 2012 after leading the NL with 115 RBI and hitting .286/.376/.498 and 31 homers.