Hamstring Trouble Lands Center Fielder on Padres’ IL.
The San Diego Padres have placed center fielder Brandon Lockridge on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain and have recalled infielder/outfielder Connor Joe to fill the vacant roster spot. Lockridge, 28, is relatively inexperienced at the major league level, appearing in just 25 games with a modest .186/.239/.302 batting line. His injury is a setback for the Padres, who are now without both their starting and backup center fielders.
The team had been relying on Jackson Merrill as the everyday center fielder following his strong rookie season and recent nine-year, $135 million extension. However, Merrill is also on the IL with a right hamstring strain, which pushed Lockridge into the starting role—until he too was sidelined.
With both players out, the Padres are exploring alternative options in center field. Tyler Wade has stepped into the role for now, though his experience in center is limited, with just over 52 innings played there. A utility defender, Wade has struggled offensively throughout his career, slashing .217/.291/.289 over 865 plate appearances.
Connor Joe, recently recalled from Triple-A El Paso, may also be in the mix after seeing some time in center there due to another injury at the minor league level. However, he lacks major league experience at the position.
Other potential options include veteran Jason Heyward, who has extensive history in center but hasn’t played there regularly in recent years, and Fernando Tatis Jr., who has logged 86 innings in center field but currently plans to remain in right.
While the situation is likely temporary, it poses a short-term challenge for the Padres. Despite the outfield uncertainty, the team is off to a red-hot 13-3 start and will look to maintain its momentum as it navigates through these injuries.
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