SHILDT SAYS: Speaking Highly of David Peralta, Dylan Cease Approaching 200 Strikeouts and Updates on Yu Darvish, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim
Catcher Kyle Higashioka was a late scratch from Saturday’s game in Tampa Bay with flu-like symptoms. Luis Campusano made the start.
Padres manager Mike Shildt opened Saturday’s pre-game media session discussing the value that outfielder David Peralta has brought to the Padres while subbing for the injured Fernando Tatis Jr.
“Peralta’s contributions are high as both a player and a clubhouse presence,” said Shildt. “His play on the field is on display every day. He’s done a great job. He’s taken great at-bats and used the whole field. He just takes quality, professional at-bats. He’s had some big moments and big hits for us.
“And he’s played really well defensively. He gives us everything he’s got. And he’s a veteran outfielder. He knows the league and is efficient with his routes. He does all the little things well on the field. He runs the bases and runs the bases hard. So, that part has been helping us win games for sure.
“But his clubhouse presence from day one has been exemplary. I’ve known the character of David for years, but I didn’t know about his ability to unite a group and bring the energy he brings. Everything is very positive. It’s super-high energy. He’s very thoughtful, conscientious … he is really always looking to do something for people without getting anything from people.
“It’s a great trait that he has. He’s got the experience and credibility to back it up. I just can’t say enough positive things about David on and off the field.”
Dylan Cease goes into Sunday’s start with a league-leading 197 strikeouts. Shildt discussed the importance of the strikeouts and Cease:
“Two-hundred strikeouts means he has elite stuff,” said Shildt. “Strikeouts are the result of having plus stuff. Him getting 200 is quite an individual milestone. The strikeouts are important. We know how to defend them. But we also want to make sure he’s able to go deep into games and be able to pitch a lot of innings.”
Shildt then turned to the three key players on the injured list — Yu Darvish, Tatis and Ha-Seong Kim:
On Darvish — “I haven’t had a chance to talk with him today. The reports were very favorable about how he threw last night, 66 pitches. Everything was good, crisp. The velocity was good. The secondary was good. But I can’t tell you yet about how he feels today. We have an idea on the timeline, but we’re still working through it.”
On Tatis — “Similar. He and Kim both had good days Friday. Tatis is having another day today where he’s going to get some live at-bats. He’s getting closer. It’s possible that he could return without a rehab assignment. We’re still taking inventory, but he’s making really good strides.”
On Kim — “Again, similar deal. He took some live at-bats. The swings aren’t creating any issues for him. He just needs to get back to where he can throw without any inhibitions. He’s working on playing catch and extending it with a little bit more intensity, but we’re not asking him to field it and throw across the diamond yet. When he’s able to throw, throw to second on a double play, throw across the infield and on a relay … he’s either going to be able to throw and be effective or not. But we’re optimistic he’s making strides. He’s our shortstop.”
