San Diego Padres: Possible universal DH options
This San Diego Padres player should also be added to the universal DH list.
The advantage of having a DH can be multi-faceted for the Padres. They can put Pham into the DH role without any explanation needed on their part. The move takes his glove out of the equation because the emphasis will be placed on his hitting prowess.
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Pham partially tore his UCL tendon in his right elbow while with the Tampa Bay Rays last season. He kept on playing after the injury as the Rays were in the midst of a pennant race. However, Pham did use a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection treatment program that allows the injury to heal faster. He’s confident on getting back on the field, but no one can guarantee full recovery from a torn tendon. The concern coming out of the pandemic is if Pham can get his throwing arm back to full strength after the lengthy stoppage in play. To avoid any risk of injury, it might be best for Pham to become the Padres full-time DH.
Josh Naylor is also an intriguing universal DH option for the San Diego Padres.
Josh Nayler showed to have a quick bat in limited duty last season. Granted, the concerns with his call-up from the minors was more about his outfield defense since Naylor was a converted first baseman. And those same questions came up once again heading into this past spring training. Padres didn’t want to hinder Naylor’s development by having him sit on the bench all season.
Naylor’s defensive metric isn’t pretty: six errors in 94 chances, -12 total runs above the average and -4 runs saved above the average.
No one can argue that the Padres have a logjam in their outfield. They have five legitimate candidates for only four outfield positions on the roster. The odds are high that Naylor is on the outside looking in. But the addition of the DH to the lineup, give him an opportunity to make a difference with his bat.
In the end, Naylor might be best described as being an ideal DH. At the very least, he could become part of a DH platoon from the left side of the plate against right-handed pitchers. He has the type of batting skills to make a difference each night. Plus, DHing gives him time to work on his outfield defensive skills, so he can become a viable option in 2021.
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The San Diego Padres should consider veteran Brian Dozier for universal DH.
The Padres will look at several in-house veteran DH options before venturing out into the marketplace. During spring training, it made sense to sign Brian Dozier on a minor league deal. He offered protection if Jurickson Profar failed at second base.
Now, the DH position is built for Dozier to excel, especially in a possible platoon situation against left-handed pitching. It’s an opportunity for him to show that he is still a proven hitter who can make a contribution in the lineup. The expanded roster gives the Padres the luxury to carry a player like Dozier because he can fill a number of roles.