Padres' Offseason Moves, Rotation Depth Concerns

0:00It's March 26th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is MLB News today, your AI-powered baseball briefing. The San Diego Padres made some savvy off-season pickups that could pay off big. They grabbed outfielder Nick Castellanos off waivers from the Phillies for the league minimum salary, shifting him to first base where he's fitting. Right in. They also signed pitchers, German Marquez, Walker Bueller, and Griffin Canning as low-cost starters with plenty of experience. Those moves add depth without spending much, especially after Castellanos brings his silver slugger bat to the lineup on a budget. Fans and analysts are buzzing about the potential, but there's worry over the starting rotation's depth heading into the long season. Injuries are already hitting hard, with Joe Musbrov set to start on the injured list and needing minor league tune-ups before returning. Michael King missed time last year, and Nick Povetta's breakout might not repeat. The Padres lost Dylan C's to a 7-year, $210 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays,

1:02and U-Darvish is out for the year after. Elbow surgery. Now they're banking on those bargain pitchers to step up amid then-options, crossing fingers for health and hot starts to keep the bullpen fresh.