The San Diego Padres have placed infielder Xander Bogaerts on the injured list with a fractured left shoulder after imaging results following his exit from Monday’s game against the Atlanta Braves.
It’s noteworthy that the 33-year-old Bogaerts, who signed a $280 million, 11-year deal with the Padres before the 2023 season, had a six-game hitting streak before Monday’s doubleheader. He had also been seeing better results since switching to an axe handle bat, the same type used by Jake Cronenworth.
When Will Xander Bogaerts Return?
According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune, Bogaerts’ shoulder does not show signs of a labrum tear or the need for surgery, but the bone needs to heal. He intends to return this season, possibly by late summer.
Bogaerts’ Stats
In the third year of his contract, Bogaerts is heading to the injured list with a .219/.265/.316 slash line, 23 runs scored, 41 hits, 6 doubles, 4 home runs, 14 RBIs, 4 stolen bases, and 40 strikeouts in 47 games.
David Peralta Replaces Xander Bogaerts
David Peralta, who recently signed a minor league contract, has played three games for Triple-A El Paso. With two additional infielders already on the active roster (Donovan Solano and Tyler Wade) who can cover for Bogaerts, the Padres decided to bring in an outfielder/designated hitter.
While Peralta might not be the player he once was, he is a veteran left-handed hitter who fits better on the roster right now than someone like Graham Pauley, who needs consistent at-bats to continue developing rather than sitting on the bench most days at the Major League level.
