Padres’ manager Mike Shildt recently addressed several key topics during a pregame media session, focusing on pitcher Yu Darvish, player movements, and the increasing recognition of bullpens.
As the Padres prepare to face the Philadelphia Phillies, Darvish will be making his second start of the season, which Shildt emphasized as crucial for the team. He appreciated Darvish’s readiness and performance, noting, “He looked good. We knew we were taking care of him from the pitch-count standpoint. It’s important going into the break.” Shildt acknowledged the competitiveness of Phillies’ All-Star pitcher Zack Wheeler, calling him a tough competitor, but expressed optimism that having faced Wheeler recently would give the batters an advantage.
In terms of roster changes, Shildt explained the decision to option Ryan Bergert to Triple-A El Paso and recall Alek Jacob. He indicated that it was primarily a strategic move to bolster the bullpen ahead of the All-Star break, especially due to the team experiencing shorter starting outings.
Additionally, Shildt touched on Xander Bogaerts’ recent performance. Though the shortstop hadn’t seen immediate results, Shildt praised him for maintaining his process. “There are no guarantees in this game… but if you continue to do things well, you will eventually get rewarded,” he remarked, reinforcing Bogaerts’ track record as a consistent contributor.
The manager also highlighted the significant role of Gavin Sheets in left field, noting his improvement and defensive capabilities, which provide flexibility within the lineup and help keep other star players fresh.
Lastly, Shildt shared his thoughts on the growing recognition of relief pitchers in Major League Baseball, especially after three of the Padres’ relievers were selected for the National League All-Star team. He stated, “Winning teams have good bullpens,” and pointed out that as pitchers are increasingly valued, the effectiveness of bullpens is being recognized as vital to a team’s success.
Overall, Shildt’s insights underscore a blend of strategic gameplay and the importance of player performance, both of which contribute to the Padres’ ambitions this season. The growing acknowledgment of relief pitchers reflects an evolving understanding of the game’s dynamics, promising a shift towards appreciating all aspects of team composition.