PEORIA, Ariz. — Two Padres relief pitchers, Ron Marinaccio and Alek Jacob, who are not assured spots on the major league roster, have left spring training to join Team Italy for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). Their decision to compete in the WBC offers them an opportunity to face high-level competition early in the season build-up.
Marinaccio explained the difficult choice, saying,
“It was definitely not an easy decision with my situation here, being out of options, trying to make the team here. I want to be around the guys as much as possible. But at the same time, I thought it put me in a unique position to go out and compete at a little bit of a higher level than in spring training.”
Italy will compete in Pool B in Houston alongside Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, and the United States. This setup allows Marinaccio and Jacob to pitch against notable players such as Jazz Chisholm Jr., Randy Arozarena, Alejandro Kirk, and others from these competing countries in meaningful games.
Jacob, whose maternal grandfather was Italian, acknowledged the trade-offs involved, stating,
“It’s gonna be kind of weird leaving here. (Padres coaches) are not going to be quite as hands on with me for a couple weeks. But at the same time … I’m going to be facing a lot of the big names. Team USA, Team Mexico, they’ve got some really loaded lineups. So I feel like, in many ways, it’ll prepare me better, because I’m facing those guys early, rather than, you know, sometimes out here you’re thrown into the seventh, eighth inning and you might get some guys that you don’t really know, maybe some Double-A guys.”
Core Padres Players Also Commit to World Baseball Classic
The Padres will be without several key players as they compete internationally, including veteran relievers Wandy Peralta of the Dominican Republic and Mason Miller from the United States, alongside right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr., third baseman Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, representing the Netherlands. These five players are confirmed participants through at least March 12, when pool play concludes. The WBC championship game is scheduled for March 17 in Miami.
Manager Craig Stammen discussed the team’s approach to Jacob and Marinaccio’s decision, noting,
“We talked a lot about that internally and then with them also. I think we all felt that going to the WBC to pitch for Team Italy was something that they really wanted to do, and it was an opportunity that we couldn’t take away from them. We also know that they’re going to be playing good competition during the WBC, and they’ll be pitching similar types of innings they would be if they were playing the Cincinnati Reds or the Kansas City Royals (in the Cactus League). So it’s a good experience for them.”
He added,
“They may be pitching against Team USA and some other high-quality teams, and we’ll get a really good look at where they’re at in spring training. It’s the middle of March, so they’re not a finished product. But it’s a good point of evaluation. They know that too. They want to show off. They want to show what they got. And I think that’s why we’re excited.”
Both Marinaccio and Jacob have made three appearances in the Cactus League this spring and will participate in Italy’s exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs before beginning pool play on March 7 against Brazil.
Padres Face Bullpen Challenges as Bryan Hoeing Is Shutdown with Elbow Discomfort
While the pitching staff adjusts for the loss of players competing in the WBC, the Padres also face injury setbacks among their relievers. Bryan Hoeing experienced discomfort in his right throwing elbow during recent bullpen sessions and has been shut down for evaluation.
Pitching coach Ruben Niebla addressed Hoeing’s status, stating,
“We don’t think it’s as serious (as it could be), but we have to be conscious and take a look at it and be able to make the right assessments.”
Hoeing’s injury places additional strain on the Padres’ bullpen depth, especially following the sidelining of left-hander Yuki Matsui, who is currently out with an adductor strain. Niebla reported progress for Matsui, saying,
“Yuki is improving every day. We’ve actually talked about getting him on the mound later this week.”
With just over three weeks remaining before opening day, both Hoeing and Matsui’s readiness is uncertain. Matsui appears more likely to return by the start of the season, while Hoeing may begin the year on the injured list, leaving an opening in the relief corps.
bullpen Depth and Potential Relief Options for Opening Day
Despite these challenges, the Padres remain optimistic about their bullpen options. Hard-throwing relievers Bradgley Rodriguez, who made his major league debut last season, and Ty Adcock, who consistently reaches the high 90s on his fastball, have started spring training strongly. Additionally, Kyle Hart has drawn attention as a potential left-handed specialist capable of covering multiple innings.
The Padres are projected to open the regular season with eight relievers. Alongside Miller, Jeremiah Estrada, David Morgan, and left-handers Adrian Morejón and Peralta, the team will monitor Jason Adam’s recovery from quad surgery; if Adam completes his comeback by the end of camp, he is expected to earn a bullpen spot.
Catcher Position Adjustments Amid Injury Setbacks
On the position player side, catcher Blake Hunt is sidelined due to an oblique injury. Hunt, a minor-league free agent, has spent the last three seasons mainly playing Triple-A ball with the Mariners and Orioles.
The Padres have added Brendan Durfee to the major league camp to fill Hunt’s spot. Durfee, 24 years old, spent the previous season at Single-A Fort Wayne and now has an opportunity to contribute at a higher level as spring progresses.
Implications for the Padres’ Roster as Spring Training Progresses
The combined impact of participation in the World Baseball Classic and injuries presents a complex challenge for the Padres as they finalize their roster and prepare for the incoming season. Veteran presence and young talent within the bullpen will be critical, particularly if Hoeing’s elbow issue requires an extended absence.
By allowing players like Marinaccio and Jacob to engage in international competition, the Padres gain valuable insights into their readiness facing elite hitters, which could inform roster decisions late into spring. Meanwhile, medical staff continue to monitor pitchers closely to ensure safe returns.
As the March 30 opening day approaches, the Padres’ pitching staff depth, both in relief and starting roles, will be a key factor in the team’s early season performance and ability to remain competitive.
