On Monday at Peoria Stadium, the San Diego Padres defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 7-5 in a spring training game, continuing their preseason preparations. The match highlighted some promising offensive moments alongside pitching challenges, notably from left-hander JP Sears, who faces an uphill battle for a rotation spot after a rough outing. The game served as an early test as the Padres work through spring camp in Arizona.
Key Offensive Performances Highlight Padres’ Attack
The Padres received a significant boost from Miguel Andujar, who launched a home run off Milwaukee’s Drew Rom in the fourth inning. Andujar, recently signed to a one-year deal worth $4 million, has a demonstrated .807 career OPS against left-handed pitchers, and he showed why the Padres expect him to produce consistently this season. Rom, coming off shoulder surgery that sidelined him for most of 2024 and 2025, struggled to contain Andujar’s power.
Several Padres hitters have had mixed success early in spring. Ramón Laureano and Fernando Tatis Jr. each managed walks, while Luis Campusano contributed a pinch-hit single. Collectively, the 15 position players on the Padres’ 40-man roster have recorded just 10 hits in 62 plate appearances, reflecting offensive inconsistency in the first four spring games.
Ty France, in camp on a minor-league contract, provided a positive note by going 2-for-3 with singles, and outfielder Carlos RodrÃguez, who has yet to play above Triple-A, continued his strong spring hitting 1-for-2 and maintaining a 4-for-7 record in three games. Non-roster invitee Samad Taylor also impressed, batting .833 with five hits in six at-bats, including a double and a stolen base.
Romeo Sanabria, a minor leaguer, has stood out by clearing the bases with a double in left field, echoing his recent opposite-field home run. Veteran Jose Miranda, also in camp on a minor-league deal, walked and went 5-for-7 with two walks this spring, showing resilience despite limited at-bats.
“Romeo Sanabria clears the bases! pic.twitter.com/FfcBuiDTtG” ?San Diego Padres, Team Twitter Account
Pitching Difficulties Mark JP Sears’ Spring Debut
JP Sears had a difficult start on the mound, lasting only two outs and surrendering four runs on four hits, including a two-run homer by Andrew Vaughn and a two-run triple by Jett Williams. In addition, Sears hit a batter, all contributing to a challenging performance for the left-handed pitcher who is vying for a spot in the Padres’ rotation. Carter Loewen, a minor-league pitcher, recorded the final out of the first inning before handing the ball to David Morgan.
David Morgan made a promising spring debut, retiring all three batters faced in the second inning. Closer Mason Miller followed with his second scoreless inning of the spring, walking one and striking out one while reaching a top fastball velocity of 100.7 mph. Lefty Wandy Peralta also pitched two scoreless innings, despite hitting a batter and issuing a walk, and Jeremiah Estrada avoided giving up runs despite loading the bases early in his debut.
Garrett Hawkins, the Padres’ 2025 minor-league pitcher of the year, closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning after posting an impressive 1.50 ERA at the lower levels last season.
Notable Highlights and Roster Updates
Catcher Freddy Fermin has been successful in challenging umpire calls, matching Luis Campusano’s perfect record of 4-for-4 on ABS challenges this spring. On the Brewers’ side, Brandon Lockridge, who the Padres traded last season in exchange for pitcher Nestor Cortes and shortstop Jorge Quintana, homered and went 2-for-4 in center field. Jorge Quintana remains one of the Padres’ top prospects, ranked second behind catcher Ethan Salas by Baseball America.
Upcoming Spring Matchups and Player Expectations
Looking ahead, veteran left-hander Marco Gonzales, who has 10 major league seasons and 162 career starts, is scheduled for his first spring start on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Arizona. Gonzales is working to regain form following flexor tendon surgery in 2024 and is currently on a minor-league contract. His performance will be closely watched as the Padres finalize their pitching staff heading into the regular season.
Romeo Sanabria clears the bases! pic.twitter.com/FfcBuiDTtG
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 23, 2026
