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Padres’ opening day starter Chris Paddack has traits of an ace

Chris Paddack throws his fastball at around 94 mph, on average. His change-up looks like the same pitch coming out of his hand — until the batter realizes it is 10 mph slower and dancing differently. He has a curveball that over the last couple weeks seems to have become a legitimate out pitch.

He arrived in the major leagues throwing strikes at a rate greater than any other pitcher. Hitters generally don’t make solid contact on all those pitches he throws like darts around the zone, and they tend to swing at the fastball he throws above the zone more than they do against most pitchers.