The San Diego Padres are close behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West title, and ahead of a pivotal weekend series, there is discussion over how the Padres should set their lineup.
Jackson Merrill is banged up, which could lead to more opportunities for some of the Padres' sluggers to get their turn in the lineup. But, before the Merrill injury, there had been a rotation of players who were starting at designated hitter and in the outfield.
In a piece from Dennis Lin of The Athletic, the two left-handed sluggers most affected by Mike Shildt's lineup decisions were asked to comment on their playing time. Both had the same five-word response, followed by a similar sentiment on their role on the team.
What Pair of Padres Sluggers Think of Limited Role
The two Padres sluggers who made these similar comments are outfielders/designated hitters Ryan O'Hearn and Gavin Sheets. Both have been getting playing time since the trade deadline, but overall, their opportunities haven't been bountiful.
When asked about their playing time, both Sheets and O'Hearn shared very similar answers, even starting with the same five-word message on those decisions.
"That's above my pay grade," Sheets said. "Whenever they need me, I'm ready."
"That's above my pay grade," O'Hearn said. "Out of my control. I'm here to help out wherever I'm needed."
For both Sheets and O'Hearn, the start/sit decisions every day are something that's above their pay grades. It's Shildt's responsibility to make the lineup, and for both Padres left-handed sluggers, it's not something they'll speak on.
Since the trade deadline, both have seen action, with O'Hearn seeing significantly more opportunities than Sheets. O'Hearn has played 16 games while Sheets has appeared in just eight.
In his eight games since the trade deadline, Sheets has 17 at-bats with a .412 batting average with a 1.415 OPS with seven hits, five runs scored, three doubles, two home runs, and four RBIs.
MORE: Padres prospect traded to Athletics for Mason Miller called up to Double-A
O'Hearn, meanwhile, in double the games and across 42 at-bats, has a .262 batting average with an .896 OPS with 11 hits, seven runs scored, two doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBIs.
Both have been good, while Sheets has been an incredible bat that can come off the bench or get a start if needed. With Merrill's injury, Sheets will likely continue to see more playing time.
But while both deserve spots in the starting lineup, they aren't getting consistent opportunities, especially Sheets. He's playing left field, and Ramon Laureano, also acquired in the O'Hearn trade, has been incredible for the Padres.
Sheets doesn't have a clear path to playing time, and his answer when asked about said playing time points towards his willingness to do what's needed for the team, while not fully expressing his opinion on getting opportunities.
O'Hearn is playing more often, but he, too, was asked, as there have been plenty of games where he isn't in the starting lineup, much to the chagrin of the Padres fans.
While both have a case to be everyday starters, neither is expressing their frustration over their playing time, and instead, are looking to contribute in any way possible.
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