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SD's Trust in Rougned Odor Led to Clutch Sunday Outing

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Padres
By Noel Sanchez | Last updated 5/22/23

When Rougned Odor first agreed to a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres just before Spring Training, he was well-aware what the plans for this team was and that if he wanted to get a crack at the main roster, he'd have to work for it.

Even though Odor had some great seasons with the Texas Rangers for the main stretch of his career, he bounced around a couple of teams over the past years as his numbers at the plate dropped consistently. However, he did what needed to be done in camp and the Friars welcomed him aboard to start the year.

And even though Fernando Tatis Jr. came back and rightfully got his big role back, Odor stayed ready and that paved way for a big performance on Sunday in a win over the Red Sox. If San Diego's offense starts rolling, he will be remembered as the one who woke them up.

This is a squad that was struggling more than ever at bringing their runners in when they already got in base. Fans had been calling for Nando to be switched to the third batting spot just so he could have a knack at it over other guys that were cold.

But Odor stepped up when he was needed most with two huge doubles and lead the Padres to a win to ensure that they would not be swept. The best part was that the first of those two came in the first inning and they were able to hold onto the lead.

Odor is super appreciative of the love and support and he's received from the clubhouse since day one and believed that paved the way for him to show out like this.

“It’s hard,” Odor said.. “I haven’t been in this situation. But I’ve been talking to my teammates. I’ve been talking to ( Nelson Cruz ). He’s been in the league a really long time. He’s helping me to stay ready when they need me. This is the first time I’ve been in this situation and I’m just trying to do the most I can before the game to be ready when they need me.”

(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)

Let's keep that same energy in this new series against the Washington Nationals.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Padres and was syndicated with permission.

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