Padres News: Bob Melvin Leaning Towards Blake Snell Or Michael Wacha As Opening Day Starter

Either of these Friars veterans likely to take mound on opening day.

Friars pitcher Joe Musgrove has been making tremendous strides following the injury he sustained from dropping a weight on his foot. He has worked tirelessly each day, participated in every activity possible, and even threw from a mound recently, With that being said, he himself has predicted he will not suit up until just after opening day.

Yu Darvish is also participating in the World Baseball Classic and representing Japan so based on how far his team goes, he likely won't be available as well. Therefore, team manager Bob Melvin has been looking closely at all of his options and narrowed it down to two other members of his lineup, as provided by The San Diego-Union Tribune.

After throwing in the bullpen, Joe Musgrove is now doing some training work in the outfield. pic.twitter.com/xURBXdSupn

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 13, 2023

"With Joe Musgrove sidelined by a toe injury and Yu Darvish pitching for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, Melvin is exploring options that could include Blake Snell or Michael Wacha." (Per The San Diego-Union Tribune).

The signing of Michael Wacha was the final move the front office needed in order to set their six-man rotation for this coming season. The former All-Star started 13 games in 2022 and went 11-2 while posting a 3.32 ERA. 

LHP Blake Snell is coming into his third season with the Friars and has been historically known to not get off to the best starts. However, if Melvin decides to throw Snell into the lineup March 30, he will have a chance to change that.

We'll keep you guys updated as we know more once opening day rolls around.