Like practically everyone else on the San Diego Padres’ roster, Jose Pirela‘s expected role was thrown into disarray when the Friars brought in Eric Hosmer.
That hasn’t stopped him from putting together a fine spring thus far and symbolically letting manager Andy Green know that he’s not planning on giving up his roster spot without a fight.
It’s more than likely Pirela, 28, would have made the Opening Day roster regardless of his performance in the Padres’ Cactus League games, but he hasn’t been leaving much to chance so far.
What Pirela’s done so far
The Venezuelan native has performed capably in virtually every role that he’s been asked to fill over his four-year MLB career.