The San Diego Padres ended their regular season Sunday with a 12-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The result was inconsequential, as their playoff seed had already been determined.
San Diego will open the National League wild-card series Tuesday, Sept. 30, against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Manager Mike Shildt, however, will have to navigate October without outfielder Ramón Laureano.
Laureano recently fractured a finger and was initially thought to be unavailable for the wild-card round but possibly able to return later in the postseason. On Sunday, though, he confirmed that would not be the case.
Per MLB insider Jeff Sanders, Laureano said his finger will remain in a splint for about three weeks. Asked about the chances of returning, he admitted it was nothing more than “delusional hope.”
The injury is a significant blow for the Padres, as Laureano has been in the middle of a career-best campaign. Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline along with Ryan O’Hearn, Laureano quickly became a steady contributor. In 132 games this season, he has posted 3.7 WAR with 24 home runs, a .281 batting average and a career-high 76 RBIs.
To fill the gap, San Diego will turn to Gavin Sheets in left field. Sheets, used primarily as a designated hitter, has made 76 defensive appearances between left field and first base this season, along with 64 at DH. Laureano, by contrast, played 48 of his 50 games with the Padres in the outfield.
Shildt will rely on Sheets’ power in the lineup and likely rotate the DH spot. Bryce Johnson remains on the roster as the fourth outfielder and could be used as a defensive replacement late in games.
