Padres News: Top Friars Prospect Will Start 2023 in Minor League

Jay Groome has been optioned to Triple-A El Paso.

Your San Diego Padres continue to make a slew of moves as they finalize who will be on their main roster to start the year and a Spring Training standout did not make the final cut.

Jay Groome, who has been in the league since 2016, had been impressing the Padres' front office all of his time in Peoria. Bob Melvin had addressed how happy he was with Groome's improvement and acknowledged him as someone in the mix to stay with them.

Unfortunately, it looks like he'll have to continue to wait for that official call-up as the Friars announced he will be moving back down to AAA to start the 2023 season on their Twitter page.

Following today’s game, the #Padres optioned LHP Jay Groome to Triple-A El Paso.

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 27, 2023

"Following today’s game, the #Padres optioned LHP Jay Groome to Triple-A El Paso."

In the five games that he took the mound for the Padres in Spring Training, Groome posted a 1.29 ERA with a 1.50 WHIP. With all of the injuries and uncertainty surrounding the main pitchers within the Friars' organization, many were thinking Groome would stick with the main team once the regular season started.

However, it looks like the Padres wants him to get more reps in the developmental leagues for a bit. He has been known to dominate the minor leagues, notching a 3.16 ERA over 10 games in 2022, and he'll just have to continue this play to prove his front office that he deserves an official spot.

Fans immediately took to Twitter and expressed their disappointment when this news broke.