Padres News: Matt Carpenter May Finally Start Getting Playing Time Again

The veteran has been waiting for his chance.

After signing with the team in the offseason, things haven't exactly gone to plan for veteran infielder Matt Carpenter in San Diego. 

Though he's struggled at the plate and hadn't featured in a game in a few weeks before Tuesday, injuries to other players on the roster may force skipper Bob Melvin's hand to give some more at-bats to the long-time former Cardinal. 

“It’s tough getting him in there right now and the longer he’s out the tougher it is. But right now he continues to be the pro that he is and guys go to him for knowledge and he’s all in as far as the team goes. Maybe with Choi out, if we can get him some at-bats here and there maybe he can be a productive guy for us still. But he still works his butt off and is big in our clubhouse.”

via Jeff Sanders, San Diego Tribune

Inking a two-year deal with the Padres, Carpenter has had a season to forget for his first showing in Southern California. 

Slashing just .165/.295/.300 this year, it's been a dismal year at the plate for the man who first burst onto the scene in St. Louis for a majority of last decade. 

After a decade stint with the Cardinals, Carpenter had a massive power surge for the Yankees in 2022 batting .305 with an OPS above 1.000 and 15 home runs in just 47 games. 

Suffering a foot injury in New York, Carpenter's play didn't recover and he opted to join the Padres for 2023. 

An injury to Ji-Man Choi could open the door for the former All-Star to see some plate appearances to close the Padres season. 

Though individual history continues to be made for San Diego's stars, the team overall is running out of time for a playoff spot in short order.