Michael King and the San Diego Padres were cruising through the first three innings of their Cactus League matchup against the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Ariz. on Friday, but then the fourth inning happened. King, who had not allowed a hit through three innings, allowed five runs and was replaced on the mound by Fernando Sanchez after allowing a single to Shea Langaliers. Sanchez allowed a home run to the first batter he faced, which allowed Langaliers to score and King was charged with
six runs in the inning. The Padres entered the inning with a 6-0 lead, but when the bottom of the fourth was complete the Athletics held a 7-6 lead. King came back out for the bottom of the fifth inning and allowed a double before striking out Henry Bolte for the first out of the inning, ending his day. King’s final line was four innings with six runs allowed on seven hits with one walk and five strikeouts. He also hit a batter. The most surprising stat of the day from King was that he allowed three home runs and they were back-to-back-to-back. San Diego came back to beat the Athletics thanks to a five-run eighth inning and secured a 13-9 win in a back-and-forth battle. The Padres head to Surprise, Ariz. to take on the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium today at 1:05 p.m.
Padres News:
- Xander Bogaerts has returned to the Peoria Sports Complex and rejoined the Padres after his time with Team Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic. Bogaerts told Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune that he feels good and hopes to be good for San Diego all season.
- Four potential buyers of the Padres visited the Spring Training complex this week according to Acee. The identities of the potential buyers have not been confirmed, but the report from Acee states the team could sell for more than $3 billion and the sale could take place before April. The Athletic is reporting the final bids are expected in April, but also reported there are four groups still in the running to purchase the franchise.
- Triston McKenzie has improved his velocity, but his control has been an issue this spring. He did enough Friday to help the Padres get past the Athletics, but he is a long shot to secure the fifth spot in the rotation with the club out of camp. Jackson Wolf is pushing to join the San Diego bullpen and could take advantage of the loss of Bryan Hoeing, who is having season-ending elbow surgery.
Baseball News:
- Cal Raleigh keeps denying handshakes with teammates, this time it was Josh Naylor on the receiving end.
- Kyle Tucker launched his first home run of Spring Training and his first as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- There are a handful of top prospects who could break camp with their respective teams at the end of Spring Training.
- Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Chris Devenski took a line drive off the side of the head in Pittsburgh’s 7-5 win over the Detroit Tigers. He was carted off the field but was alert.
- The Texas Rangers added to their bullpen Friday by adding free agent left-hander Jalen Beeks on a one-year deal.
- Merrill Kelly made his first start of the spring for the Arizona Diamondbacks but will still open the season on the IL.
WBC News:
- The US and Dominican Republic teams won their quarterfinal games against Canada and Korea respectively and will face each other in the semi-finals with the winner advancing to play for the WBC title. Paul Skenes will return for the US to face the D.R. in the decisive game.
- Puerto Rico and Italy and Japan and Venezuela play their quarterfinal matchups today and the winners will faceoff to determine who will play the winner of US and D.R.
