San Diego’s bid for their first pennant since 1998 suffered a setback when Xander Bogaerts broke his shoulder while diving in the infield. As the highest-paid player on the Padres, his absence will be felt for at least two months, with Luis Arraez likely to take his spot in the lineup. The team had to make roster moves to accommodate Bogaerts’ injury, adding David Peralta and moving Luis Patino to the 60-day injured list.
Even prior to Bogaerts’ injury, the Padres faced an uphill battle in their pursuit of a division title in the National League West. With a 26-26 record and seven games behind the Dodgers, they are hanging on to a wild-card spot in the post-season. Bogaerts’ absence will be a significant blow to the team, as they try to overcome their current challenges and make a push towards the playoffs.
Initial medical reports suggest that Bogaerts will not require surgery for his fractured shoulder but will need considerable time to heal. His absence will be a blow to the team’s offense as they hoped he would improve his .219 batting average this season. Bogaerts, a former All-Star and World Series champion with the Red Sox, signed a lucrative contract with the Padres in 2022 and shifted to second base this season.
The Padres are the oldest team to have never won a World Series, having lost in 1984 and 1998. Despite Bogaerts’ championship experience with the Red Sox, the team has struggled to find success this season. His absence will test their depth and resilience as they look to overcome the challenges ahead. The team will need to come together and find ways to compensate for his absence on the field.
