"Between that and his rough 2024 campaign, many around the game were starting to worry for the Padres' ability to get much of anything out of the 11-year contract they signed him to prior to the 2023 campaign. Fortunately, he's looked more like his old self since then, and has hit .304/.360/.473 with 24 extra-base hits and a 16.1% strikeout rate in his last 248 plate appearances."
"He even made real strides defensively at shortstop, posting a +7 Outs Above Average despite historically being viewed as a lackluster defender behind the plate. Bogaerts's resurgence provided plenty of optimism for the Padres' ability to compete with the Dodgers down the stretch and into the postseason this year, but last month's foot injury seemed to put all of that to a halt."
"From the very start of the veteran's recovery process, Padres brass have indicated they expected Bogaerts to be able to contribute in the postseason this year. The implication there, of course, was that the remainder regular season was more or less off the table for the veteran. For Bogaerts to be resuming baseball activities this quickly suggests some reason for optimism that he'll be able to return, if not by the final game of the regular season, then in time for the Wild Card S"
Xander Bogaerts has been cleared for baseball activity and has begun a rehab process after sidelining with a fractured foot since August 29. Bogaerts turned 33 in October and experienced an up-and-down season with the Padres, struggling early with a .227/.304/.311 line through 286 plate appearances on June 17. He rebounded to hit .304/.360/.473 with 24 extra-base hits and a 16.1% strikeout rate in his last 248 plate appearances, and posted a +7 Outs Above Average defensively at shortstop. Padres management expected postseason availability, and the early resumption of baseball activity suggests possible return timing around the postseason.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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