In a recent spring training update from the San Diego Padres camp, several players are making headlines with their performances and unique stories.
From Oscar González’s quest for better pitch selectivity to Wes Benjamin’s return from the Korean Baseball Organization, and Jackson Merrill’s dedication to his teammates, the Padres are shaping up for an intriguing season.
This article dives into the details of these players’ journeys and their potential impact on the team.
Oscar González: Seeking Selectivity
Oscar González, once a postseason hero for the Cleveland Guardians, finds himself in the Padres camp on a minor-league contract.
After a stellar debut in 2022, where he batted .296 and contributed significantly in the playoffs, González’s performance dipped in 2023. His batting average fell to .214, and his OPS plummeted to .551 due to a high strikeout rate and low walk rate.
Now, González is focused on improving his pitch selection to make a stronger impact.
González’s Past Performance
In 2022, González was a key player for the Cleveland Guardians, especially during the playoffs. He made his major league debut on May 26, 2022, and quickly became a fixture in the lineup, thanks to his impressive batting average and OPS.
His memorable walk-off home run in the 15th inning against the Rays in the wild-card series is still talked about among fans.
Challenges and Improvements
Despite his early success, González struggled in 2023, primarily due to his high strikeout rate and low walk rate. He struck out in 25.6% of his plate appearances and had a mere 2.2% walk rate. This led to a significant drop in his overall performance.
However, González is determined to turn things around by focusing on pitch selection and identifying good pitches to hit in favorable counts.
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According to Padres hitting coach Victor Rodriguez, *Pitch selection is key for González. If he learns to control the strike zone, he can hit.*
This spring, González has shown promise, starting the first four games and leading the team in hitting with a .455 average, including two doubles.
Wes Benjamin: A Journey of Growth
Wes Benjamin’s path to the Padres camp has been anything but conventional.
After spending three years with the KT Wiz in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), Benjamin has returned to the United States, eager to showcase his improved skills. His experience overseas has not only made him a better player but also a better person.
Overseas Experience
Benjamin’s decision to leave the White Sox organization and play in the KBO was a pivotal moment in his career.
During his time in Korea, he posted a respectable 3.74 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 74 starts. This experience allowed him to refine his pitching and develop new skills.
These skills include adding a few miles per hour to his fastball and learning two new pitches: a split-change and a sweeper.
Return to the Majors
Now back in the United States, Benjamin is a non-roster invitee at the Padres camp.
Manager Mike Shildt sees Benjamin as valuable depth for the team, especially with potential needs in the rotation or bullpen.
Benjamin’s goal is to demonstrate his growth and earn a spot on the roster. *I just want to get in front of some guys here and show what I can do,* Benjamin said.
His journey from the KBO to the Padres camp is a testament to his determination and growth as a player.
Jackson Merrill: A Team Player
Jackson Merrill’s dedication to his teammates is evident in his actions during spring training games.
Unlike most experienced players who leave the site after their time on the field, Merrill stays behind to support his fellow players. This level of commitment sets him apart and underscores his team-first mentality.
Staying with the Team
After batting in the fourth inning of a recent game, Merrill chose to remain in the dugout, cheering on his teammates until the final out.
This behavior is not typical for players with his experience level, but Merrill believes in supporting his team. *These guys are my team. These boys are my boys,* Merrill said, highlighting his strong bond with his teammates.
Impact on Team Culture
Merrill’s actions have a positive impact on team culture, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
His dedication is especially noteworthy given that he has only one year under his belt. By staying with the team and supporting his fellow players, Merrill sets an example for others to follow.
Additional Updates from Padres Camp
In other news from the Padres camp, Fernando Tatis Jr. was sent home as he is not yet comfortable or in a place where the team is comfortable.
Luis Campusano, who has been dealing with the flu, is scheduled to catch live batting practice soon. His return to Cactus League play will depend on his recovery.
Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Campusano
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s situation remains a point of concern for the Padres. Manager Mike Shildt indicated that Tatis is *still not in a place where we’re comfortable or he’s comfortable.*
Meanwhile, Luis Campusano is on the mend and expected to catch live batting practice. His return to game action will be closely monitored based on his progress.
For more detailed insights and updates, you can read the full article on the San Diego Union-Tribune.
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