Bill Center, longtime sportswriter for U-T San Diego, is an employee of the Padres.
The Padres are already making moves with an eye on the 2019 season.
Two rookie pitchers were added to the rotation in the past week, and another rookie joined the bullpen. William Myers was at third on Monday night and Christian Villanueva was at first.
Clearly, the plan for the rest of the season is to see who can do what in preparation for 2019 and beyond.
But there is a move I hope the Padres don't make this offseason: Letting Freddy Galvis walk as a free agent. If at all possible, they should sign him for another season.
Yes, I also see Fernando Tatis Jr. as the shortstop of the future. However, the last time I checked, Tatis is still 19 and finishing this season on the disabled list. I'm guessing he will start next season at Triple-A El Paso no matter how sensational he might be in winter ball.
With other changes in the infield likely coming at second and third, I'd like to see the Padres at least start the season with Galvis at short. Defensively, he's even better than expected. He's a lot like Garry Templeton used to be -- he turns everything he gets to into an out. It's that simple.
And offensively, Galvis is a threat and has really picked it up recently.
Galvis entered Tuesday night having homered in two straight games, including Sunday's grand slam. He has hit four homers in his past nine games with eight RBIs and eight runs scored. Galvis' .240 batting average equals his high mark since June 27. His slash line over the past eight games is .276/.364/.690.
Galvis is the best shortstop the Padres have had since Khalil Greene.
Notes
• Lefty Clayton Richard completed the pitching cycle Monday night at Petco Park when he faced the Angels for the first time in his career. Richard has now faced every Major League team at least once. He also equaled his season best by going eight innings, allowing two runs on four hits and no walks with two strikeouts. He lowered his ERA at Petco Park this season to 3.59, compared to a road mark of 6.28.
• Villanueva was 2-for-4 Monday while making his first career start at first base. He has six multihit games since July 31, going 14-for-38 (.368) with three doubles and a home run in that span while raising his batting average from .217 to .234.
• Eric Hosmer's home run in the bottom of the 10th Monday night was his first since July 14. During his 21-game homerless streak, Hosmer had only two extra-base hits -- a double and a triple. Hosmer has reached base in 18 of his past 19 games with a .373 on-base percentage.
• Right-hander Kirby Yates has allowed four hits in three innings over his past three appearances. He has also struck out eight hitters. Yates has only two saves since Brad Hand was traded to the Indians on July 19.