Padres News: Bob Melvin Explains Why Xander Bogaerts is Refusing IL Stint

Padres skipper believes Xander's injury isn't as serious as perceived

The San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts missed his fourth straight game on Tuesday. The wrist has been bothering him more than ever as he's dealing with some soreness that has kept him out since Sunday. 

The Friars are being super cautious with him even though they have played him since he started suffering the injury. Nonetheless, the team doesn't seem too concerned with Xander's lingering issue including Padres manager Bob Melvin. 

Melvin spoke to the 97.3 The Fan and explained why Bogaerts' isn't being considered on being put in the IL. 

Padres manager Bob Melvin provides an update on Xander Bogaerts: pic.twitter.com/RNEOMNQql9

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) June 6, 2023

"Becuase we still feel like we're in a postion where he's going to be back before what the IL period would do. When you have a player like that you're cutting off a few days and he can get back in the lineuup, you're certainly willing to do that."

Bogaerts started off the season as one of the hottest players in the league. At one point, he led the team in almost every offensive category and looked like the clear up MVP. However, over the last month he's been slashing .198/.273/.284 with only two home runs, nine RBIs and 33 strikeouts in 116 ABs. 

As for now, infielder and by far the most imporved player Ha-Seong Kim will take his place playing shortstop. We'll see how long this can go on for; if he doesn't play by the end of the week, it might be time to face reality. 

For Xander's case, hopefully, that doesn't need that happen.