Nick Castellanos started as the designated hitter and stole the spotlight in San Diego’s 4-3 win over the White Sox on Tuesday. The slugger launched Sean Newcomb’s cutter 420 feet over the left field wall for his first home run of the spring.
He also hit a double with an exit velocity of 100 mph in the first inning of the game. With Castellanos’ recent performance on defense and offense, the veteran is working toward a spot on the Padres’ Opening Day roster.
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In 16 Cactus League at-bats, Castellanos had a .931 OPS and five RBIs.
Buehler will make Padres debut Thursday against Mariners
Veteran right-hander Walker Buehler will take the mound for the first time Thursday against Seattle for the Padres Brown & Gold. It’s worth noting that the 31-year-old has been working closely with pitching coach Ruben Niebla this spring to try to find his old self.
Buehler pitched three innings Saturday against the KBO’s NC Dinos in the backfield at the Peoria Sports Center. His fastball reached 92 mph and showed sharp control of breaking pitches throughout the simulated game.
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Tatis, Machado show off DR vs. Tigers in WBC exhibition
Padres superstars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado combined for three runs, three RBIs and four hits, including a majestic moonsault home run by Machado, against the Detroit Tigers in an exhibition game before the World Baseball Classic. In the end, the Dominican team won 12-4.
The match took place on DR soil, more specifically at the Quisqueya Juan Marichal Stadium in Santo Domingo, in front of 10,000 passionate fans. Dominican skipper Albert Pujols’ star-studded lineup is something out of a storybook.
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As if that wasn’t thrilling enough, what happened after Machado’s home run made this tune-up game feel like Game 7 of the World Series. Tampa Bay Rays third baseman and fellow Dominican Caminero hit a bomb in the opposite field to extend the Dominican lead to 8-4.
Caminero idolized Machado throughout his professional baseball career. Now, in addition to the jersey he wears, he plays for the Kings and Country. Thirteen years later, the young superstar just had a back-to-back with his mentor and future Hall of Famer.
Now, as I quote another line from the baseball drama Moneyball, I ask, “How can you not be romantic about baseball?”
