Mackenzie Gore (right) was the team’s top draft pick this year and carries ace-level potential on the mound. Photo courtesy of San Diego Union-Tribune/TwitterFrom the opening pitch, the San Diego Padres were destined for a lackluster 2017 campaign.
The team made headlines during spring training in March, adding three players acquired through baseball’s Rule 5 draft to the big league roster. All three — shortstop Allen Cordoba, catcher Luis Torrens, and pitcher Miguel Diaz — had yet to play above the Single-A level with their former teams. As Rule 5 acquisitions are required to remain on the major league roster for the entirety of the season, each was expected to make a significant jump up…
