4 years agoSan Diego Padres pitching prospects MacKenzie Gore and Ryan Weathers both have legitimate shots to crack the Opening Day roster. While both southpaws are viewed long term as starters, both could fill swing roles with reliever Matt Strahm (knee) out and the Friars down to one left-hander in the bullpen. Furthermore, starter Dinelson Lamet (elbow) is being slow played as he gradually builds up his balky elbow. Gore completed his second start Wednesday and has permitted two earned runs in four spring innings. Heralded as a can't-miss prospect last year, the 22-year-old struggled with command and mechanical issues at the alternate site. Weathers (21), who debuted in the 2020 playoffs, has yielded three runs (two earned) in four frames. As baseball's No. 3 overall prospect, the Friars appear convinced on grooming Gore as a pure starter, while Weathers (Padres No. 5 prospect) may be deployed with more flexibility. While high-end dynasty pieces, neither Gore nor Weathers should attract much redraft value unless they land permanently in the rotation.--Andrew Le - RotoBaller
Source: MLB.com - AJ Cassavell