When Jay Groome first came into the league as a standout prodigy from high school, MLB fans were super excited to see what he could accomplish. Unfortunately, he sustained numerous injuries right away and even had to get Tommy John surgery during his first few seasons with the Boston Red Sox.
In 2022, he was traded to the San Diego Padres around the same time they acquired All-Star Juan Soto and was sent to the minor leagues to get some conditioning there first. He immediately proved with 3.16 ERA over ten games that he deserved a shot at the big leagues and the Friars have given him just that during Spring Training.
Team manager Bob Melvin was impressed off the jump with Groome's Cactus League play, most notably his scoreless innings when he pitched, and had nothing but compliments. In an exclusive interview with the San Diego-Union Tribune, Groome opened up about the approach he took this offseason to improve and raise his velocity following surgeries.
“The only thing I focused on a little more this offseason was my rotational power. I know I’m strong, like I can get everything going forward,” said Groome. “But I think I had a little limitation rotation-wise in my delivery. I really wasn’t using my hips as much as I can. I haven’t gotten sore. Usually, you’re coming into camp trying to blow some doors and you get a little dead arm. But that hasn’t been the case so far. I’m feeling good.”
The entire coaching staff has loved what they've seen so far from the young RHP. This opportunity was given to him to not only show if he is healthy now but also how he can propel the team from the mound if inserted into the lineup.
San Diego is still deciding what their pitching rotation will look like due to Joe Musgrove's foot injury and Yu Darvish's participation in the WBC. Groome is unlikely to crack the starting rotation but if this play continues, a bullpen spot could be in the works.
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