Padres News: Bob Melvin Isn't Too Concerned About So Many Players Missing for WBC Tournament

San Diego’s manager keeps it realistic.

With the World Baseball Classic set to kick off on March 7, the Padres will see nine players missing Spring Training as they represent their countries in the tournament.

Manny Machado, Xander Bogarts, Juan Soto, and Yu Darvish are among some of the most important guys that won’t be present in Arizona. In an exclusive Q&A with the San Diego Tribune, team manager Bob Melvin was asked about challenges heading into Spring Training and whether his stars missing the camp would lead to some.

“I don’t know about challenges. Obviously, when your players are in the WBC you worry about injury,” said Melvin. “The guys that we have going are going to get the proper amount of at-bats. But you worry about injury.”

Injuries are a part of the game so it is natural for the three-time Manager of the Year to keep those worries in the back of his mind. However, there aren’t many better reasons to be missing Spring training other than participating in live baseball games that help the players warm up for the real season.

The last time we saw the WBC in 2017, there were some key players around the league that fell ill to injuries. These names included Seth Lugo, Robert Osuna, Drew Smyly, and Martin Prado. All MLB teams and front offices have to respect their player’s choice to honor their country in such a prestigious tournament that only takes place every four years.

Melvin also displayed trust in the fact that the Friars have enough returning players that will help set the tone.

“As far as the team dynamic, I think we have enough core guys from last year where we feel good about our group and know our group,” said Melvin. “It’s just getting everybody together for a period of time leading into the season. It’s nothing that nobody else is going through as well.”

The Padres are set to have their first Spring Training match against the Seattle Mariners on February 24.