Thomas Conroy
United States
As seen in:
MSN,
Nature,
Business Wire,
MDPI,
Talking Friars: A San Diego Padres podcast (Podcast),
Yahoo Sports,
Metacritic,
Yahoo,
NewsBreak,
The Hockey Writers
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Thomas Conroy
Good Morning San Diego: Padres lose acclaimed bullpen coach to division rival Original
Other major league franchises regard the San Diego Padres’ pitching instructors as the gold standard because they have developed quality pitchers from prospects outside of the spotlight. It was only a matter of time before another organization poached one away. One of Ruben Niebla’s top lieutenants, bullpen coach Ben Fritz, was hired to become the Arizona Diamondbacks’ new pitching coach. Since arriving in San Diego a decade ago, Fritz had become one of the sport’s top bullpen coaches.
Good Morning San Diego: Padres poised for active week at GM Meetings Original
If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Once the final out was recorded and the Milwaukee Brewers were crowned World Series champs, the Major League Baseball offseason officially began. It is never too early to speculate on which players could be dealt this winter. The first important date on the offseason calendar is the General Manager Meetings, which begin today and will go through Thursday in Las Vegas.
Good Morning San Diego: Joe Musgrove’s return to majors was one of best moments of Padres’ season Original
If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. Maybe the best moment of the 2026 season was Joe Musgrove’s return to the San Diego Padres. He spent two seasons away from the sport rehabilitating his right elbow after Tommy John surgery. Musgrove re-entered at the most important time, pitching in the postseason. Unfortunately, there was no storybook ending because the Padres were eliminated from the playoffs in the division round.
Good Morning San Diego: A closer look at Padres’ Randy Vasquez breakout season Original
The Friars may have found themselves a quality starting pitcher. If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. In 2026, the San Diego Padres’ starting rotation was the roster’s weakest link. The group ranked 21st in the majors after posting a 4.40 ERA, a 1.335 WHIP, and 37 quality starts. Among the Padres’ top starters was Randy Vasquez, who emerged with a breakout season.
Good Morning San Diego: Padres are perfect fit for Luis Gil Original
The San Diego Padres have plenty of work to do this winter. Team president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller will need to revamp the team’s roster. His main concern is upgrading the starting rotation. Depending on the outcome of club/player options, Preller may need to fill all five starting rotation spots. One potential trade candidate is New York Yankees starter Luis Gil. He appears to be the odd man out in their starting pitching depth.
Good Morning San Diego: Benefits of extending Adrian Morejon qualifying offer Original
Offseason media speculation has suggested the San Diego Padres are leaning toward extending Adrian Morejon a qualifying offer. The lefty pitcher earned consideration with a dominant second half. No question, Morejon should be brought back for the 2027 campaign. It is rare for a setup reliever to receive a qualifying offer, but this news should not come as a big surprise.
How To Vet A Med Spa Online Before You Book: 9 Red Flags Hiding In Plain Sight
Booking Botox, filler, or a laser treatment has never been easier. A few taps on your phone, and you’ve got an appointment. That convenience has a downside: Most people spend more time researching a new blender than the person who will inject their face. Med spas are medical practices. The treatments they offer use prescription drugs, medical devices, and needles, and outcomes depend heavily on the training and judgment of the person holding them.
Good Morning San Diego: September cameo proves Padres’ Ethan Salas has all the tools Original
The young backstop showcased tremendous skills in 16 games. If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement. The San Diego Padres’ call-up of Ethan Salas was a brilliant decision. It gave the Friar Faithful a sneak peek at what 2027 might hold. Salas is a lock for next season’s Opening Day lineup. The young catcher offers an exciting, dynamic skill set — and the most intriguing part is that his ceiling remains a mystery.
The rise of Michael King Original
Michael King exceeded expectations with his brilliant postseason performance, outshining every other San Diego Padres pitcher. He demonstrated how a No. 1 starter should perform in the clutch. The organization cannot let King opt-out and leave via free agency; they need to sign him to a long-term deal. As the Friars enter the offseason, their top priority remains unchanged: building a starting rotation that can get them back to October baseball.
What is next for San Diego after another postseason exit? Original
Another San Diego Padres season ends with an early postseason exit. This year, the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff proved to be the difference-maker in the National League Division Series defeat. And of course, cue the offseason speculation after the final out. The Brewers bounced the Padres from the postseason. Despite a strong second-half run, the season still culminated in a crushing defeat.
The Med Spa Patient Journey Now Starts in AI Search: What Aesthetic Practices Need to Change in 2027
A prospective Botox patient in 2027 is less likely to start with ten blue links from organic search. They’re more likely to type a full question into ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, or Google’s AI Overviews: “Is Botox safe for forehead lines at 35, and who does it well near me?” The answer they get back is a short paragraph, a few named practices, and maybe two or three cited sources.
Disappointing weekend in Milwaukee Original
Much like a weekend in Las Vegas, the San Diego Padres have little to talk about after the first two games of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, the Friar Faithful have plenty to say about the two defeats. One game was decided on a roof-aided out that negated Ty France’s go-ahead home run. And the game’s best closer coughed up a one-run lead in the ninth inning.
Padres’ hitters must carry momentum into Milwaukee Original
The San Diego Padres have made the postseason for the third consecutive season. Each team claimed a playoff berth in a slightly different manner. The 2024 and 2025 clubs leaned heavily on pitching to earn back-to-back postseason appearances. Often, the Padres required perfection from their pitching staff to stay competitive in a postseason series.
The Padres 2026 postseason feels different
October is a magical time for Major League Baseball. Every postseason team has a legitimate shot to win a World Series title. Whether you are the prohibitive favorite or the longest of long shots, the stakes remain the same. It is still hard to imagine the San Diego Padres hosting a Wild Card Series at Petco Park, especially after Las Vegas sportsbooks gave them a seven percent chance of playing in October. But this year’s postseason feels different from past playoff appearances.
The Padres 2026 postseason feels different
October is a magical time for Major League Baseball. Every postseason team has a legitimate shot to win a World Series title. Whether you are the prohibitive favorite or the longest of long shots, the stakes remain the same. It is still hard to imagine the San Diego Padres hosting a Wild Card Series at Petco Park, especially after Las Vegas sportsbooks gave them a seven percent chance of playing in October. But this year's postseason feels different from past playoff appearances.
Padres Wild Card roster predictions: Who’s in, who’s out Original
The postseason begins on Tuesday, and the San Diego Padres are a participant for the third consecutive season. The club will host the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card round. The Padres enter the matchup having lost the season series, 5-1, but they’ve gotten hot at the right time to secure home-field advantage. With the Wild Card seeding decided on Saturday night, both teams have little time to prepare for one another.
Which San Diego Padres have the most to gain in last series Original
The San Diego Padres have only three games remaining in what has been an unbelievable season. Rookie manager Craig Stammen has plenty of work ahead after securing a Wild Card berth. Several players are fighting for postseason roster security. They all have a legitimate opportunity to make a strong impression in the last series of 2026. Which Padres have the most to gain? Because cuts are coming.
Reasons for optimism: Padres on verge of clinching postseason berth Original
The San Diego Padres are on the verge of clinching a postseason berth for the third consecutive season. However, the club has been through plenty of ups and downs in 2026. With three-fifths of the starting rotation out for nearly three months, the Padres stumbled into the All-Star break with a 48-49 record. Their playoff hopes seemed lost, as they sit 13.5 games back in the National League West standings. However, with the blink of an eye, the Friars went on a 39-12 run since July 17.
Padres’ red-hot reliever Yuki Matsui ready to take next step Original
In a battle for the final National League Wild Card postseason berth, San Diego Padres reliever Yuki Matsui has been one of the unsung heroes in the team’s second-half comeback. His dominance down the stretch has solidified him as a premier high-leverage bullpen option for the playoffs. Let’s not forget that Matsui was hampered by a left groin strain that forced him to miss all of Spring Training. Before the season opener, the Padres placed Matsui on the injured list.
Countdown to October: Padres’ postseason magic number dwindling Original
With less than two weeks remaining in the 2026 Major League Baseball season, the San Diego Padres have firm control of the third and final National League Wild Card postseason position. The magic number is nine, and with a little luck, they can clinch a playoff berth against division foe, the Arizona Diamondbacks, at Petco Park next weekend. Any combination of Friars wins and Diamondbacks losses totaling nine allows the Brown & Gold to pop some champagne and celebrate.
Padres’ win-now mentality pays off in Mason Miller trade Original
Most Major League Baseball trade deadline deals swap top minor-league prospects for proven big-league talent. Why? Playoff-contending teams are willing to gamble their future away to secure a postseason berth. Participating in October baseball is worth the risk. Last summer, the San Diego Padres acquired reliever Mason Miller from the Athletics for a package of minor-league talent, including the organization’s top prospect, Leo De Vries.
Good Morning San Diego: Padres add another veteran arm to rotation Original
It seems like we were at this point a few months ago. Optimism was high, as all eyes were on San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta’s first rehab pitching appearance in Lake Elsinore. If all went well, he was the obvious choice to join the starting rotation. However, those dreams were shattered after Pivetta walked off the mound before the inning was over. He was favoring his right throwing arm, which is never an ideal look in a rehab appearance.
Padres Joe Musgrove may have telegraphed his next career move Original
Rehabbing a sports injury can be a thankless job. All the time and effort can be for naught. Even considering Joe Musgrove’s extensive arm injury history, he was the one starting pitcher the Friar Faithful could rely on in a big game. Since undergoing Tommy John surgery in the winter of 2024, the big right-hander has not pitched in a major league game. But 2026 was supposed to be different…then another injury occurred.
Padres’ Craig Stammen faces another challenge in season’s final month Original
Over the first five months of his tenure as San Diego Padres manager, Craig Stammen offers the perfect poker face when answering questions about his team’s play. But his unshakeable composure might be tested in the season’s final month. Coming off a memorable 21-7 hot streak out of the All-Star break, the Padres limped into September with a 2-7 mark in their last nine games. That recent slump has sparked restlessness among the Friar Faithful.
The Dustin Harris Option Original
Left field has been a revolving door for the San Diego Padres. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying, as Padres manager Craig Stammen has cycled through an endless list to find a replacement for Opening Day starter Ramon Laureano. As the latest left-field option, Dustin Harris could end the organization’s search for an upgrade.
Padres’ plan for Jason Adam following extended stint on IL Original
The 2026 season has been very frustrating for San Diego Padres set-up reliever Jason Adam. He was exceptional in the late-inning role before handing the ball off to Padres closer Mason Miller. Unfortunately, this partnership was short-lived, as Adam has been out since early July with a right shoulder strain. The Friars and the Arizona Diamondbacks are locked in a fierce battle for the final National League Wild Card berth. They lead their West Division rival by one game.
Padres should be open to Robbie Ray as a 2027 SP option Original
At the trade deadline, the San Diego Padres cemented their place in the National League Wild Card race. President of Baseball Operations and General Manager A.J. Preller added much-needed starting pitching in Robbie Ray and Casey Mize. Both starters are considered “rentals” because they’re eligible to become free agents at season’s end. It is only fitting that speculation about where each pitcher will play next season begins.
The case for promoting Padres’ Ethan Salas this September Original
The San Diego Padres are one of the hottest teams in baseball, posting an 8-3 record over the last 10 games. It has allowed them to secure a slim one-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks in the chase for the last National League Wild Card berth. The roster seems set; everyone understands their roles. But there is still one move to make. It is not so much for the remainder of this season, more for the 2027 campaign. The Padres need to promote Ethan Salas as one of their September call-ups.
Padres outslug Guardians 7-5, eye series clincher tonight Original
Saturday’s contest brings another edition of the San Diego Padres “pitching chaos,” as Wandy Peralta will be the opener for this evening’s game. Randy Vasquez will be the bulk pitcher and go against Cleveland Guardians Joey Cantillo. It is a very intriguing matchup, as both young pitchers have shown promise on the mound this season. The Padres will take the diamond riding a six-game winning streak.
Padres Crush Brewers 11-2, Eye Afternoon Sweep Original
Walker Buehler played spoiler to the Milwaukee Brewers’ hopes of evening the series at a game apiece. He allowed one run and three hits over six innings in a 11-2 victory. The San Diego Padres continue their hot streak with a 17-hit attack. Luis Rengifo’s grand slam set the tone of the evening. Luis Campusano added a two-run home run, and Fernando Tatis Jr. blasted a solo shot. Today’s daytime affair is the final game of the three-game set.
Padres rally late to take opener, setting up key middle game of series Original
FriarWatch: August 11 Edition The San Diego Padres use some late-inning fireworks to take the opening game of the three-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. Jackson Merrill hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Padres a 3-2 lead. Mason Miller recorded his National League-leading 30th save to preserve the victory. Scoring late in games with a shutdown closer has been the perfect combination, as the Friars have won 13 of their last 17 games to get back in the Wild-Card chase.
Padres vs Brewers: Possible October baseball matchup Original
No question, the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres could face one another in October. The Brewers come to town having won seven of their last 10 games. The Padres have an opportunity to take down one of the National League heavyweights in this three-game series. Currently, the Brew Crew hold the best record in baseball (77-44) and lead the NL Central by five-and-a-half games over the Chicago Cubs. They’re expected to make the playoffs as either a division winner or a Wild Card berth holder.
Padres even series; Javier vs Vasquez in an early evening finale Original
Sunday’s game between the Houston Astros and the San Diego Padres is a battle between two starting pitchers who are finally finding their footing in the rotation. Cristian Javier and Randy Vasquez have both looked sharper after a recent rough stretch. Both teams come into tonight’s game looking to secure a series win. The Astros won the opener 6-3, and the Padres took Saturday’s affair 3-2. The Houston bats took the night off as Michael King silenced them for six innings.
King Takes the Mound as Padres Eye Bounce-Back Win Original
The San Diego Padres looked to upgrade their depleted starting rotation at Monday’s trade deadline. In the final hours, the front office acquired Robbie Ray from the San Francisco Giants and Casey Mize from the Detroit Tigers. However, both pitchers were less than impressive in their first start in new surroundings. Ray’s control betrayed him in last night’s 6-3 defeat. The southpaw allowed four runs on seven hits, walked five batters and struck out two in five lackluster innings.
Padres set to battle old NL West foe Houston Astros Original
FriarWatch: August 7 Edition The San Diego Padres return home for a crucial six-game stretch against two potential MLB playoff contenders. First up is the American League West-leading Houston Astros in a crucial three-game series for both teams. The Padres trail the Arizona Diamondbacks by one game for the final berth in the National League Wild-Card standings. The Astros hold a slim 1.5-game advantage over their cross-state rival Texas Rangers.
Padres bats silenced in 10-4 defeat, seeking a series split in finale Original
Timely hitting and quality starting pitching have defined the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks’ four-game series. The teams are in a fierce battle for the final National League Wild-Card berth. Tonight, the Padres are seeking a series split in the final game. At the trade deadline, the Friar Faithful hoped the club would acquire at least one starting pitcher to bolster the rotation.
Padres rout the D-Backs to even series; Mize makes team debut tonight Original
The San Diego Padres scored early and often in a convincing 9-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks to even the four-game series at a game apiece. It was their ninth win in the last 11 games, moving the Padres one game back of the Diamondbacks in the National League Wild-Card standings. This sets up a crucial third game in the four-game set. The victor could gain much-needed momentum in securing the final playoff spot.
Padres looking to rebound after series-opening loss to the Snakes Original
Last night’s San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks game was a well-pitched affair. Brandon Pfaadt was brilliant, allowing just one unearned run over 6.2 innings for the victory. Michael King was not sharp, but did labor through six innings. His lone mistake was a D-Backs Tim Tawa three-run home run that proved to be the difference in a 5-1 defeat. The Snakes’ home victory extended their lead to two games over the Padres in the National League Wild-Card standings.
Padres, D-Backs clash in crucial series in the desert Original
Sometimes in baseball, the media overuses the term “crucial series” in the regular season. But make no mistake, the San Diego Padres taking on the Arizona Diamondbacks in a four-game set at Chase Field this week is crucial for both teams. From the Padres’ perspective, a series sweep causes a direct swing in the Wild-Card postseason standings. Heading into tonight’s contest, one game separates the Friars from the Philadelphia Phillies and D-Backs atop the standings.
From the ridiculous to the realistic: San Diego Padres’ trade rumors Original
The closer we get to today’s 3 p.m. trade deadline, the more restless the Friar Faithful become. The rumors have been swirling around the San Diego Padres since last month. Initially, the club was a potential seller because they were in a dreadful slump. Now, the Padres find themselves in a fight for the final Wild Card berth. They would love to secure starting pitching depth before the deadline.
Padres Joe Musgrove, Nick Pivetta injury update: How far from their return? Original
The San Diego Padres have great confidence in Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta when they take the hill. Each pitcher has defined why they’re a top-of-the-rotation starter with their bulldog-like mentality. Musgrove is the hometown hero who pitched the first no-hitter in franchise history. Pivetta had a breakout 2025 campaign, going 13-5 with a 2.87 ERA in 31 starts. But elbow injuries have derailed their seasons. The road to recovery is tough.
Padres dominate Marlins 7-2, eye series sweep today Original
The bats have come alive, as the San Diego Padres look to complete the three-game sweep against the Miami Marlins this morning. It is a feat that has occurred only three times in 2026. The last was against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park on June 22-24. The Padres’ other two sweeps came against the Seattle Mariners, once in San Diego on April 14-16 and the other in the Great Northwest on May 15-17.
Padres late-inning rally: Rengifo’s clutch homer sinks the Fish Original
Both the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins are trying to hit the reset button for the second half of the 2026 season. Neither team is playing good baseball. Despite the poor play, this weekend series is vital for the Padres and Marlins to remain in the wildcard chase. With the game tied at two, Friars pinch-hitter Luis Rengifo hit a game-winning two-run home run that propelled the team to a 4-2 victory over the Marlins.
Padres look to bounce back in Miami after series finale loss to Braves Original
The Miami Marlins (52-51) welcome the San Diego Padres (50-53) to South Beach this weekend. It is a crucial three-game set for both teams’ playoff hopes. Each club has struggled following the All-Star break. The loser of this series will kiss their postseason chances goodbye. The Padres fell short for a second consecutive day, as a late-game rally ended in a frustrating 6-5 defeat to the Atlanta Braves. The loss dropped them to 2-5 on their 10-game, three-city road trip.
Padres’ five-run rally not enough in 7-6 loss Original
The Atlanta Braves host the San Diego Padres in the series-deciding finale. If the Braves win, they will have won three of the four games. A victory this morning secures a series split for the Padres. The four-game set has been highly competitive, as the Braves are coming off a dramatic 7-6 win last night. Rookie shortstop Jim Jarvis broke up a 1-1 tie with a run-scoring double that scored Mauricio Dubon in a six-run eighth-inning rally.
The solution to the San Diego Padres’ Mason Miller dilemma is simple Original
The 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline is Aug. 3 at 6 p.m. EST. And for the next two weeks, the Friar Faithful will be inundated with Mason Miller trade rumors. The media experts have the San Diego Padres as definite sellers and maintain the organization will trade Miller to the highest bidder. Despite all the speculation, people are seeking the truth about what the Padres will actually do with baseball’s premier closer.
The experiment is over, a change needs to be made Original
It is no secret that Craig Stammen has suffered through a rough first season as San Diego Padres manager. Yes, some of the obstacles associated with the job were expected. However, transitioning from the front office to the dugout without any minor or major league managerial experience has been an insurmountable leap. The hiring felt like a cost-saving move for the organization. The experiment with a novice field boss needs to end; the Padres have no other choice but to let Stammen go.
What to expect in second half Original
Officially, the second half of the 2026 season begins for the San Diego Padres with a 10-game road trip. The gauntlet includes playing two of the top National League East foes (Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins) after a weekend series against the Kansas City Royals. This might sound like a daunting task, but the Padres have a chance to put themselves back into the postseason chase. Currently, they trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by a whopping 12-and-a-half games in the NL West standings.
I have a confession to make: The ABS Challenge System is good for baseball Original
I hope you’re enjoying the All-Star break. It is the only time in the regular season when baseball fans do not worry about the state of the lineup or that day’s starting pitcher. But the week is good for reflecting and admitting when you are wrong. Here is my confession: The Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System is good for baseball. Yes, I am a baseball purist. Baseball remains genuinely authentic because its core rules have not changed since the sport’s founders played the game.
Padres Bradgley Rodriguez is gaining Stammen’s trust Original
When Jason Adam went down with a right shoulder strain, it left the Friar Faithful wondering what else could go wrong for the San Diego Padres. No team can afford to lose a key setup reliever and expect to play winning baseball. Everyone began speculating about the team’s next move to replace a valuable member in the bullpen. The Padres did not turn to a veteran reliever; instead, they called up Bradgley Rodriguez.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Thomas
Contact Thomas, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack