Left field has been a revolving door for the San Diego Padres. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying, as Padres manager Craig Stammen has cycled through an endless list to find a replacement for Opening Day starter Ramon Laureano.
As the latest left-field option, Dustin Harris could end the organization’s search for an upgrade.
Laureano was irreplaceable
Coming out of spring training, the Friars had a very balanced outfield in Laureano, Jackson Merrill, and Fernando Tatis Jr. You could argue that it was the best defensive unit
in baseball. The one deterrent was the lack of outfield depth on the 40-man roster.
Gavin Sheets and others have tried to replace Laureano after his season ended with hip surgery. Some of the candidates could provide timely hitting, but none could match his defensive metrics.
Sheets logged the second-most playing time in left field until suffering various foot injuries. He developed plantar fasciitis in his left foot, then sprained the same foot this past weekend in Tampa. His status for the remainder of the season is up in the air.
It is disappointing because Sheets has done everything asked of him this season. If his foot injury limits him to a DH role, then Harris offers some value in left field.
Let’s introduce Dustin Harris
He is an intriguing late-season addition, but Harris is unknown to the Friar Faithful.
The Padres took a flyer on him, betting his physical tools would translate well in the majors. Harris has plate discipline, posting an under-9% strike rate and over a 10% walk rate in Triple-A. However, he has below-average power potential, hitting only 89 home runs in eight minor league seasons.
Since his call-up to the majors, Harris is mashing the baseball. He is hitting .470 (8-17) in the Brown & Gold. The 27-year-old outfielder has above-average speed that allows him to run the bases aggressively. His athleticism will come in handy when attempting to take an extra base on a bloop hit.
Versatility gives a roster depth and flexibility. Harris has played at first base, third base, left field, and center field during his time in the minors. He has shown enough range to make plays at each position.
In recent years, organizations should have valued big-league readiness more than long-term potential. There is nothing wrong with emphasising potential stardom for certain prospects. But teams want young players who want to compete for major league at-bats.
Originally, the Padres thought Harris could become a solid contributor off the bench. But it is hard to ignore the upside he brings to the lineup.
