Padres Highlights: Jhony Brito Takes a Big Step Forward in Starting Rotation Bid

The right-hander strikes out six batters in three shutout innings against the Chicago Cubs.

The San Diego Padres' starting rotation depth will be mentioned as an area of concern until — well, until it isn't.

A few more days like Monday, and the Padres might be able to turn a perceived weakness into a strength.

Starting pitcher Jhony Brito struck out six Chicago Cubs batters in 3.1 scoreless innings, pitching around five hits in the Padres' 2-1 victory at the Peoria Sports Complex. Here are the highlights of Brito's six strikeouts:

Jhony Brito

3.1 IP
0 ER
5 H
6 Ks
No walks again today

2023 BB% MLB avg was 8.6%. Brito was above average at 7.5%. His career MiLB BB% was only 5.3%. You can expect him to be around the strike zone and not hurt himself with walks. He’s my favorite for SP4. pic.twitter.com/uEsrrZZ0gl

— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) March 4, 2024

Brito, 26, went 9-7 with a 4.28 ERA in 25 games (13 starts) last season. The Padres acquired the right-hander in December from the New York Yankees along with Michael King, Randy Vasquez and catcher Kyle Higashioka in the deal that sent Juan Soto to the Bronx.

So far this spring, Brito has pitched 8.1 innings and allowed three runs (a 3.24 ERA) while walking none and striking out 10. He is making a strong case to secure one of the Padres' available starting rotation jobs to begin the season.

Matt Waldron, another candidate for the back of the Padres' rotation, allowed one run over four innings, walking none and striking out six.

Fernando Tatis Jr. was the highlight of the Padres' offensive attack, going 3 for 3 with an RBI single to break open the scoring in the third inning:

Fernando Tatis Jr. RBI single and Ha-Seong Kim scores.#PadresST pic.twitter.com/Kiv10WMNbD

— San Diego Strong (@PadresStrong) March 4, 2024

Prospect Jacob Marsee drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning to break a 1-1 tie.

The Padres visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday at 12:10 PT.