Ten games into the 2025 MLB season is a very small sample size for any player. But a quick look at the early season stats show a glaring gap between Yuli Gurriel/Jason Heyward and the other eleven position players on the daily roster.
Before the first game against the Atlanta Braves, the Padres optioned Connor Joe, Oscar Gonzalez and designated Eguy Rosaio and Tyler Wade in order to keep Gurriel. Heyward was signed specifically to provide veteran leadership and defensive stability in left field. The need to platoon Heyward with a right-handed bat was filled by Brandon Lockridge.