Xander Bogaerts gets real amid Padres struggles at the plate injuries…
The Padres continue to struggle at the plate and deal with endless injuries, and Xander Bogearts didn’t mince words.
The San Diego Padres have hit a rough patch at the plate, and shortstop Xander Bogaerts isn’t shying away from the team’s harsh realities. Following Friday night’s frustrating 1-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Petco Park, Bogaerts addressed the Padres’ offensive slump candidly, acknowledging both the obstacles and the team’s need to overcome them.
“We know who we are,” Bogaerts said. “We know the situation that we’re in. We know we have guys out, guys that are key pieces to our team. Opportunity for other guys to step up. That’s what I always say. I think guys have been doing a good job.”
The Padres’ lineup, severely compromised by injuries, failed to score for the second consecutive game, stretching their ongoing scoreless drought to 25 innings. Bogaerts himself went 0-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts, including a crucial strikeout looking with Fernando Tatis Jr. stranded at second base in the eighth inning.
Adding to the frustration, Bogaerts committed a costly throwing error in the third inning, allowing Tampa Bay’s Taylor Walls to reach base. The Rays capitalized, scoring their lone run on a sacrifice fly by Yandy Díaz—an unearned run that ultimately decided the contest.
The Padres continue to struggle at the plate, but remain in first place in the NL West
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates with third base Manny Machado (13) after hitting a home run against the Athletics during the sixth inning at Sutter Health Park.
Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
“I wish I threw a better throw,” Bogaerts admitted after the game. “Maybe the game would have been different. Who knows? We’re running into some good pitching sometimes.”
San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) is congratulated after scoring during the fifth inning at Petco Park.
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Indeed, exceptional pitching from Rays starter Shane Baz, who pitched seven shutout innings, and relievers Manuel Rodriguez and Garrett Cleavinger combined to silence San Diego’s already struggling bats.