Padres News: Friars Continue Dropping in Power Rankings

When will the Friars get going?

Another week and your Friars have yet to find their footing in 2023. Now, last week was a bit better than the week before, but it wasn't enough, according to Bleach Report's latest power rankings. 

Last week they had San Diego at number 20; this week, they fell one more spot at 21. Here's what MLB national columnist Joel Reuter had to say about the Padres. 

21. San Diego Padres (12-12)

Previous Rank: 20 After an ugly 1-6 stretch of games, the Padres tossed their first shutout of the year against the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday and then took three of four from the Arizona Diamondbacks on the road. After missing the first 20 games of the year, Fernando Tatis Jr. went 3-for-18 with one home run in his first four games back from suspension while starting in right field and hitting primarily leadoff.

The talk of last week was the return of their superstar Fernando Tatis Jr and righty ace Joe Musgrove. The Padres struggled early last week as they dropped two out of three against the Atlanta Braves at home. They scored two runs in three games, including a shutout in their first game. 

They ended their weekend on a better note than the weekend before as they took three out of four from the then division-leading Arizona Diamondbacks. 

Even after an unexpected start by the Friars, they are still one game behind .500 and are still within striking distance for the NL West. They have the Cubs and will finish with their division rival San Francisco Giants, in Mexico City to close the week.