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Padres’ Adam Mazur Set for Exciting Big-League Debut Against Angels
San Diego Padres’ Adam Mazur will make his major league debut against the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels are focused on improving Jo Adell’s performance this season.
The San Diego Padres are set to debut right-hander Adam Mazur in a major league game against the Los Angeles Angels, marking a significant moment in Mazur’s career. Meanwhile, the Angels are navigating their own challenges with outfielder Jo Adell’s performance. This game promises to be pivotal for both teams and players.
Jo Adell’s Performance Struggles and Potential
The Los Angeles Angels have heavily invested in Jo Adell, their 2017 first-round draft pick, but his performance remains a concern. Adell, now 25, is aiming to secure his spot as an everyday player. This season, he has played in 52 of the team’s 60 games, a pace that would surpass his career high of 88 games played in 2022.
Despite signs of improvement, Adell’s recent slump has raised eyebrows among club officials. Currently hitting .204, below his career average of .212, Adell’s slugging percentage (.459) and on-base-plus-slugging percentage (.721) suggest potential. He also leads the team with 11 home runs, tied with Taylor Ward.
Adell’s strikeout rate, a significant issue, has improved slightly from his career rate of 35.4% to 30.6% this season. However, his performance trajectory is worrying. After a strong start with a .316 average and a .979 OPS in March/April, Adell’s numbers dropped drastically in May, with a .144 average and .601 OPS.
Management’s Approach to Adell’s Slump
Adell’s recent 1-for-32 slump led Angels manager Ron Washington to give him a day off. In a pinch-hitting appearance, Adell hit a grand slam, showcasing his potential. “It felt good to get that kind of swing off,” Adell said, highlighting his focus on handling pitches better.
However, Adell’s struggles continued, with an 0-for-7 performance and six strikeouts in his next two games. His eighth-inning double in Monday’s game against the Seattle Mariners was crucial in the Angels’ 2-1 victory, indicating that Adell can still make impactful plays.
Adam Mazur’s Major League Debut
The Padres are calling up Adam Mazur from Triple-A El Paso to start against the Angels, filling in for injured pitchers Joe Musgrove (inflamed right elbow) and Yu Darvish (strained left groin). Mazur has had a solid minor league season, with a combined 4-3 record and a 3.86 ERA across 10 starts between El Paso and Double-A San Antonio.
Mazur is preparing to handle the pressure of his major league debut by staying true to himself. “Just continue to be myself,” Mazur said. “There’s a reason why I’m getting here today. Just go out there and try to get outs, help the Padres win a game.”
Pitching Matchup
Los Angeles left-hander Patrick Sandoval will make his 13th start of the season, aiming to end a four-game winless streak. Sandoval, with a 2-8 record and a 5.34 ERA, performed well in his last outing, allowing just two runs in six innings against the New York Yankees. Sandoval has a favorable track record against the Padres, with a 1-0 record and a 1.13 ERA in two career appearances.
Injury Update for Padres
The Padres will be without first baseman Luis Arraez, who injured his neck and right shoulder in a recent game against Kansas City. “We don’t feel like it’s anything structural, which is … encouraging,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. “It’s just a matter of: He’s sore, got some stiffness, some soreness.”
