Padres still getting to the bottom (and top) of new, varying strike zone<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Here\u2019s a neon-worthy development:\u00a0Many high strikes have now become balls, which Gwynn termed \u201ca great gift to hitters.\u201d<\/p>\n Explained Stammen, a former reliever: \u201cThe pitches that are very attractive for hitters to swing at are usually a little higher in the zone. So, now, they have the ability to just not swing at \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n Rule changes of this scope reward the smart adapters and punish the slow movers.<\/p>\n The 2023 Padres were not great adapters to the last major rules change in MLB \u2014 the pitch clock.<\/p>\n Through three weeks, the 2026 Padres stand as net beneficiaries of the ABS era.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t look that way on opening day.<\/p>\n Nick Pivetta\u2019s body language evidenced frustration after two high fastballs \u2014 a staple pitch for the Padres\u2019 ace \u2014 were called balls.<\/p>\n \u201cA couple of fastballs that (Tigers hitter) Gleyber Torres (took), what may have been strikes in the past or strikes that hitters had to offer at because they were borderline, he just simply took and they were balls,\u201d Stammen said, \u201cand I think Nick got a little frustrated with those being called balls.\u201d<\/p>\n Pivetta rebounded with a second strong start, but now finds himself on the injured list.<\/p>\n Stammen\u2019s pitching staff boasts several other pitchers who are well-equipped to handle this sea change.<\/p>\n Co-ace Michael King throws several darting pitches that work well within the strike zone and on its edges.<\/p>\n High-leverage relievers Mason Miller and Adri\u00e1n Morej\u00f3n have the pure stuff to defeat hitters inside the shrunken strike zone.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be fooled by Morej\u00f3n\u2019s unsightly ERA. Padres fielders blundered in three of his outings, and he still has premium stuff.<\/p>\n![\"Michael](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SUT-L-padres-0415-035.jpg\")
Michael King of the San Diego Padres pitches to Randy Arozarena #56 of the Seattle Mariners at Petco Park on April 14, 2026 in San Diego, CA. (K.C. Alfred \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n
![\"Manny](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SUT-L-padres-0412-022.jpg\")
Manny Machado #13 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after his home run against the Colorado Rockies during the third inning at Petco Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Meg McLaughlin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n