Luis Arraez, the three-time batting champion, has made a strong start in his spring training with the San Diego Padres, hitting two singles in just four pitches during his Cactus League debut. Despite winning the batting title last year, Arraez faced a decline in his on-base percentage. This season, he aims to improve his walk rate, which was notably low last year. He has expressed his frustrations with umpires' strike calls, stating they often favor pitchers and hinder batters' opportunities to walk.

Arraez is now healthy, recovering from a torn thumb ligament that affected his performance last season. He confidently mentioned that he feels no pain in his thumb, indicating a fresh readiness to challenge pitchers more effectively. Padres manager Mike Shildt praised Arraez's resilience in playing through injuries last year and suggested that his improved health could pose a significant challenge to opposing pitchers this season.