With Snell injury, Padres might be getting Gore sooner than expected

The San Diego Padres can’t seem to shake off the injury bug. Right before the season started, Mike Clevinger headed to the IL. Then, on Sunday, Blake Snell was scratched right before game time, and Nabil Crismatt was thrown into a spot start.

After the Padres’ victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, manager Bob Melvin mentioned that Snell is possibly headed to the IL — surprise, surprise.

Bob Melvin said Blake Snell’s adductor injury is not nearly as serious as the one that shut him down in September. However, Snell is probably headed to the IL.
You know who will be available to pitch in his slot Friday?
MacKenzie Gore.

— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) April 10, 2022

This is a big blow, but, as Kevin Acee mentions, that might mean the promotion of MacKenzie Gore. For years the Padres — and the fans — have been waiting patiently for Gore to make his Major League debut. After a solid Spring Training, it looked like he just might make the Opening Day roster.

Well, he didn’t.

But, if Snell is out for some time, Gore should be the first and only option for the Padres. On the other hand, the Padres might be more inclined to bring up Ryan Weathers or toss out Nick Martinez in his place until Snell can return.

Gore just made his 2022 season debut on Saturday night with the El Paso Chihuahuas, and he looked more than worthy of a spot on the Major League squad.

MacKenzie Gore's night is done after 5 strong innings:

His 5th and final inning:
87 MPH Slider for K
87 MPH Slider for K
95 MPH Fastball for K

Overall: 5 IP/ 2 H/ 0 ER/ 0 BB/ 7 K#ItsGoreTime | @Mgore181 | @MiLB | @MLBPipeline pic.twitter.com/43k576BGSp

— El Paso Chihuahuas (@epchihuahuas) April 10, 2022

So, the choice should be easy for the Padres, and Gore feels he is ready to make the jump and be effective in the big leagues, even more after a strong beginning with the Chihuahuas this season (h/t Nick Trujillo of MLB.com).

“There was a ton of work and time put into it, so I feel really prepared. I’m bringing some confidence to the mound.”

The past couple of years have been rough for Gore, and at times, it looked as if he might not ever live up to the lofty expectations placed on him.

However, his time is clearly coming, and, who knows, maybe he makes his first Major League start in the month of April.

Despite an uneasy start to his career, Gore admits he is always trying to get better and working hard (Nick Trujillo).

“I’ve always been a guy that works hard but I had to really figure out what was right for my body and that’s what these last couple of years have done. There’s still a ton of work I need to do to get better, so I’m just staying locked in on what we think I need to do to get better and we’ll see what happens.”

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Gore is a youngster speaking with a ton of confidence, and his Spring Training and his Chihuahuas season debut should signal even more that he is ready for the jump to the big leagues.

Is this finally the time that Gore can make his MLB debut?

Matthew Wadleigh

Matthew Wadleigh, born in Oceanside and currently lives in Fresno. He lives with his wife and 2 dogs and is a sports enthusiast. Retired drummer and member of the Fresno State Marching Band. He has been a Padres fan since childhood and has suffered during the struggles just like everybody else.