The Padres’ Spring Training featured its first dose of split-squad action, facing off against the Rangers and Guardians. One Padres squad made the drive to Surprise to face off against the Rangers. 

A Rough Showing on the Mound

Marco Gonzales made the start for the Padres, but his outing was all but effective. Gonzales was chased in the first inning, as he allowed four runs in the first inning. His command was not in sync, as he walked four batters in the inning before being relieved with two outs. Clay Edmondson was called upon to end the inning, but allowed three inherited runners to score. Even after the inning, Gonzales returned to the mound for the second, allowing a home run to Brandon Nimmo.

The third inning saw the wheels fall off the cart entirely. Gonzales recorded only one out in the frame, with that being a sacrifice bunt. Four of the five base hits he allowed were barreled, and he was pulled with the bases loaded. Logan Gillaspie and his 0.00 ERA were called into the game, but he missed his spot on an 0-2 changeup, serving up a grand slam to Josh Smith. The Rangers now had 12 runs in the game, but the scoring was not over. Not even close. After an out and a single, Ezequiel Duran sent a home run of his own to left field. Wyatt Langford followed with a two-run home run of his own three batters later. Corey Seager went back-to-back with Langford to tally the Rangers’ fourth home run of the inning. 

Enjoy all SIX homers from the 2nd & 3rd innings ?‍? pic.twitter.com/tG9dKcDWtc

— Rangers Sports Network (@RangersSNtv) March 14, 2026

When both pitchers’ days were done, Gonzales allowed 11 runs (10 earned) on eight hits and six walks in two-plus innings of work. Gillaspie pitched 2.2 innings, allowing 11 hits and nine earned runs, including five home runs. Despite this, Gillaspie showed that he had starter’s stamina, as he went on to throw 76 pitches, 47 of which went for strikes. 

Bowen, Bowen, Gone

Jase Bowen was a minor league signee who has made a major impression. The Northwood, Ohio native launched his third home run of the spring, a 435-foot blast out to center field off Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi. Bowen has played well in his 41 at-bats this spring, hitting .293 with a .341 on-base percentage and .975 OPS. Though he is likely to open the season at Triple-A, Bowen could very well enter the major league equation should an injury to the Padres’ outfield occur or if he plays well with Triple-A El Paso. 

Updates from Home

Jason Adam made another simulated game appearance as he works his way back from a ruptured quad tendon. It was previously reported that Adam would be partaking in Spring Training action this weekend, and if that is meant to remain true, he will likely appear in the Padres’ upcoming game against the Diamondbacks. If not, then his debut will likely push into the week. 

Jason Adam pitched in another simulated game today, as he works his way at back from last season’s ruptured quad tendon. pic.twitter.com/X7PwXqEwJA

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 14, 2026

Also in the bullpen, Yuki Matsui threw another bullpen as he works his way back from an adductor injury. The Padres have not announced a timetable for the left-hander’s return, so it is unknown whether he will be factoring into the Opening Day equation. 

Next Game Preview

The Padres return to action on the road, as they travel to Scottsdale to face the Arizona Diamondbacks. Randy Vasquez is set to start for San Diego against Arizona’s Brandon Pfaadt, with the first pitch set for 1:10 pm Pacific.

Diego Garcia

A born and raised San Diegan, Diego Garcia is a lifetime Padres fan and self-proclaimed baseball nerd. Diego wrote about baseball on his own site between 2021-22 before joining the East Village Times team in 2024. He also posts baseball content on his YouTube channel “Stat Nerd Baseball”, creating content around trades, hypotheticals, player analyses, the San Diego Padres, and MLB as a whole.

A 2024 graduate of San Diego State, Diego aims to grow as a writer and content creator in the baseball community.