SHILDT SAYS: Positive Thoughts from the First Spring Game; Plus an Update on Ethan Salas

Ethan Salas gives a peace sign to the camera.

Manager Mike Shildt liked what he saw during the Padres’ spring training opener Friday.

“Manny (Machado) set a nice tone yesterday with a very efficient two swings,” said Shildt. Machado homered to center on his first swing of the exhibition season.

[embed]

“I thought all our at-bats were really good,” said Shildt. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the entire group. I’d like to keep the middle-of-the-lineup guys together for the majority of the camp — (Xander) Bogaerts, (Jake) Cronenworth, Jackson (Merrill).

But one player who will be getting a little late start is Fernando Tatis Jr.

“He’s a little under the weather, so we’re erring on the side of caution with him and keeping him off his feet,” said Shildt. “He’s feeling a little better today. But it’s another day for him to be away from camp and get whatever he’s got going on behind him.

“I would expect Tatis to play Monday or Tuesday. I wouldn’t expect him to go on the road Sunday. He’s having a great spring. He’s just a little sick.”

One player who caught Shildt’s eye is top catching prospect Ethan Salas, who doesn’t turn 19 until June 1.

“It’s interesting about the age part,” said Shildt. “We’re getting to the point now … Manny broke into the Major Leagues at 20 … we’re seeing some good young players break in at a pretty young age.

“I also believe with Ethan and the bigger picture and player development — Ethan’s showing the ability at this age to be disciplined. It’s more about the player he is than the age he is. It’s a great quality for him to have the ability to have some plate discipline at an early age, which allows him to get to the big league level and contribute earlier. I’m really pleased with that.

“Yesterday, Ethan was patient but aggressive on balls he could handle. He had a longer at-bat and a walk. I really liked what he did on the bases. We wrote that down in our review, his intent to do some things on the bases. He showed some complete-player ability.”