The San Diego Padres cannot seem to catch a break. After losing five straight (and nine of their last 10), the Friars announced that starting left fielder Ramón Laureano underwent surgery on his right hip after being placed on the injured list earlier this week. It was believed to be a phantom IL stint, but that is no longer the case. Laureano’s recovery timetable is roughly four to five months. If everything goes well, he could join the club if they make a deep postseason run.
Ramón Laureano Likely Out for the Season After Hip Surgery
Laureano’s Contributions Down the Stretch
The Padres’ left field situation was a nightmare in 2025. It was so bad that the duo of Elias Díaz and Martín Maldonado was producing more than the combination of outfielders that started in left. That led general manager A.J. Preller to swing a blockbuster trade with the Baltimore Orioles for first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and the journeyman outfielder Laureano.
Laureano was in the midst of a career year in Baltimore. After posting a .231 batting average since 2020, he had slashed .290/.355/.529 with the O’s. But the real story was his slugging. After joining San Diego, Laureano mashed nine homers in just 50 games with the Friars. Unfortunately, he was unable to join the club in their Wild Card series against the Chicago Cubs after fracturing his finger in the final week of the regular season.
An Inconsistent 2026 Season
At the beginning of the 2026 season, the Padres were struggling to score runs (clearly, not much has changed since then). But, of the Friars, the hottest-hitting was Laureano. Through the first seven games of the year, the left fielder batted .308/.357/.577 with a .934 OPS. It was one of the few bright spots in the first week for a struggling San Diego ball club.
But then came the cold streak. Since then, Laureano has batted .237 in April and a dismal .133 in May. That has resulted in a .203/.286/.374 slash line through 53 games this season. That will likely stand as Laureano’s final stat line with the Padres, as his hip surgery appears to have ended his season prematurely.
Craig Stammen announces that Ramon Laureano had right hip surgery today to repair a labrum.
Laureano may miss the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/JnFSWBRZCx
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) June 5, 2026
How Does the Padres’ Offense Recover?
It’s no secret that the Padres offense has had a difficult time scoring runs this season. That’s been especially true in the last week despite their stars finally stepping up. Laureano certainly wasn’t helping with his dismal production, but he still possessed the kind of power that could change a game with one swing.
With Laureano already on the 10-day IL, he’ll be transferred to the 60-day IL once the Padres need a 40-man roster spot. Until then, he’s been replaced by the young slugger Jase Bowen. Since his call-up, Bowen has gotten off to a slow start in the majors. He’s 1-for-8 with a single across three games with San Diego.
However you look at it, it’s a major blow for San Diego. Even without Laureano producing as of late, his defense and veteran presence on the field will be sorely missed. Injuries have torn apart the San Diego starting rotation. The Friars cannot afford for the same to happen to their offense. The club is at a pivotal point in its season. If they can’t right the ship soon, the season could be over before the Friar Faithful know it.
Main Photo Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
