Roster battles enter spring's stretch run

This story was excerpted from AJ Cassavell’s Padres Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

About a week from now, the Padres will put the finishing touches on their Opening Day roster -- perhaps the most talented Opening Day roster in franchise history.

That roster is mostly settled. The lineup feels complete. The rotation might be, too.

• Peavy, Moores to be inducted into Padres Hall of Fame

Sure, there are suddenly questions about the availability of Juan Soto (left oblique strain) and Austin Nola (broken nose). But Tuesday brought optimism on both fronts, and it seems possible, if not likely, that the Padres will have both back for Opening Day.

By my count, that leaves five roster spots up-for-grabs -- two on the bench and three on the pitching staff (likely in the 'pen).

Here's one guess at which players might win the five remaining big league jobs:

1. RHP Steven Wilson
This feels like the most obvious choice of the five. In his 2022 rookie season, Wilson posted a 3.06 ERA, then proved his mettle with important postseason innings. After a strong start to the spring, he hasn't been quite so sharp lately. But Wilson has proven it in the big leagues already.

He's capable of handling high leverage, and he's capable of handling multiple innings. Barring something unforeseen, Wilson should have one of the three remaining spots on the pitching staff.

2. OF José Azocar
At least one of the two remaining spots is going to an outfielder, and similar to Wilson, Azocar has already proven himself extremely useful to these Padres. A speed-and-defense weapon off the bench last season, Azocar is enjoying a standout spring at the plate. Entering play Tuesday night, he had a slash line of .278/.317/.556 with a team-high-tying six extra-base hits.

The righty-hitting Azocar could open the season by starting games against left-handed pitching, and otherwise serving as a valuable defensive replacement/pinch-running option.

3. LHP Jay Groome
It's still hard to say in what capacity Groome would pitch. But it certainly feels like he's earning his way onto the Opening Day roster. Groome has yet to allow a run in four Cactus League outings this spring. He's versatile, too, capable of pitching in long relief or as a No. 6 starter.

Ultimately, the health of Joe Musgrove could determine whether the Padres open the season with five starters or six (if Musgrove is expected back quickly, San Diego might simply stick with five starters until he returns). But whatever decision the Friars make, Groome fits their plans.

4. OF David Dahl
There's no shortage of options for the final bat on the Padres' bench. Rougned Odor and Brandon Dixon give the Padres versatility with their ability to play the infield. But Dahl just might be the piece that fits best.

He's put forth a strong spring, and -- in Fernando Tatis Jr.'s absence -- the Padres need someone to play right field. It’s easy to envision that someone being Dahl against right-handed pitching.

5. RHP Brent Honeywell Jr.
The final spot goes to a reliever, and it's especially notable who isn't available: José Castillo, Adrian Morejon and Craig Stammen are no longer options, due to injuries. Drew Pomeranz seems destined to join them. The left-hander still hasn't appeared in a Cactus League game and recently had a setback in his throwing progression, as he builds his way back from flexor tendon surgery.

With Pomeranz almost certainly unavailable, the guess here is that the Padres look for length. They might need it with Musgrove expected to open the year on the IL and Yu Darvish not fully built up following the World Baseball Classic. Honeywell has pitched better than his spring numbers indicate and could serve nicely in a mop-up/length role out of the 'pen.