Overview
- On Saturday, manager Tony Vitello publicly called questions about Willy Adames’ work ethic “bulls–t” and defended the shortstop’s preparation to reporters before the game at Petco Park.
- The dispute began after Friday’s Apple TV broadcast, when Wayne Randazzo relayed that infield coach Ron Washington had said it had been harder to get Adames to commit to daily work.
- Adames has told reporters he has dealt with persistent back discomfort for more than a month that sometimes limits his ability to take daily pregame ground balls and infield drills.
- Defensive metrics have been poor this season for Adames, including roughly minus-12 Outs Above Average and an error total on pace for a career high, which has fueled outside criticism.
- Meanwhile the club said Matt Chapman’s rehab running session did not go well and he is unlikely to return in this series, rookie Jesus Rodriguez was placed on the 10-day injured list, and infielder Nate Furman was promoted from Triple-A.