With all of the important games and workouts that take place in Spring Training, the last thing that teams want to see is any of their players go down with injuries. This time period is used to ensure that players are ready to take on their set positions prior to the season and that everybody is meshing.
Unfortunately, just like we've come to see in this year's World Baseball Classic, athletes can get hurt at any time no matter where it is they are performing. Despite a couple of serious ones, the San Diego Padres have been quite lucky when it comes to injuries during Cactus League. However, a few more have racked up close to the end of spring.
Austin Nola recently got smacked with a direct pitch to his nose recently and teammate Juan Soto suffered an oblique strain in that same game. Both of their situations have been proceeded with caution seeing their value to the roster.
In a quick media session with '97.3 The Fan', team manager Bob Melvin allowed all Padres fans to let out of a sigh of relief with some key updates on both of them.
"For Juan Soto, I think it was just one swing and I think he cut it off so he hopefully didn't hurt it worse," said Melvin. "Just talking to the trainers, it didn't feel significant. Obviously, we're going to be pro-active and get a picture of it but my guess is that it's pretty mild."
Melvin went on to provide a surprisingly positive update on Nola as well.
"There is a chance he could be in a game before we leave here," said Melvin. "I don't know if you've seen him, it's remarkable to me. There's a slight fracture on the nasal bone or whatever they're calling it. But no black eyes, very little swelling, pretty remarkable."
Finally, Melvin gave a less positive update on Drew Pomeranz.
"He got a midl setback and some inflammation in the back of his elbow," said Melvin. "That's where he's had some setbacks before. I think he's out 120 feet tomorrow but we're not sure what day he gets on a mound again so it would be tough to make opening day for him."
We are hoping our Friars continue to get healthy, we will provide you guys with all and any updates !
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