SAN DIEGO — Kyle Hart took the Petco Park mound Monday in rare company. He left it as a singular figure and, at long last, a fully initiated major leaguer. Hart, a left-handed newcomer to the San Diego Padres, entered the day as one of 24 players whose entire big-league career took place within the bizarre confines of the 2020 pandemic season. That summer, there were no fans in ballparks. Hart made four largely unattended appearances for the Boston Red Sox and, still dealing with the lingering effects of Lyme disease, struggled to a 15.55 ERA.
Over the next three seasons, he bounced around the upper levels of the minor leagues for three organizations. He ventured in 2024 to the Korea Baseball Organization, where he won that league’s version of the Cy Young Award and recaptured the attention of major-league teams. The Padres signed him last month to a one-year, $1 million guarantee. Six weeks later — and 1,691 days after he debuted in an empty Fenway Park — Hart threw five innings before an announced crowd of 43,404 in downtown San Diego.
The Padres’ new No. 5 starter held the Cleveland Guardians to two runs, limiting the damage to a pair of solo homers. He struck out four batters and walked only one. And he exited the field Monday amid a confluence of individual and collective success. Hart, 32, not only helped himself in the best performance of his big-league career. As he became the first player from the 2020-only club to climb back to the majors, he also helped the Padres to a 7-2 victory and the first 5-0 start in franchise history.
Later, after a celebratory beer shower, he reflected on his return to the sport’s highest level. “Most guys, you hear maybe two years or three years since they’ve been in the big leagues. But five years, it’s almost like those guys are gone, right?” Hart said. “So, I’ll give myself credit. I worked really hard and had some success. But (there have been) so many good people around me, and then once I got here, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is the spot for me.’ This clubhouse, they lift you up, every single one of these guys.”
Gavin Sheets also played a pivotal role in the Padres’ victory, contributing three hits, including two critical two-run doubles, and driving in four runs. His performance was instrumental in helping the Padres secure their impressive start to the season. The Padres’ previous best start was 4-0 in 1984, when they made their first World Series appearance.
On the mound, Hart faced a tough lineup, allowing two runs on five hits during his five innings of work. He opened the game strong by striking out Cleveland’s Steven Kwan, who is known for being one of the hardest hitters to strike out. However, the next batter, perennial MVP candidate José Ramírez, launched a solo shot into the Western Metal building. Two innings later, former Padres catcher Austin Hedges also hit a solo home run. Despite these setbacks, Hart managed to limit the damage, showcasing a solid performance overall.
“It’s always fun to see these kinds of stories,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said pregame. “This is what’s beautiful about this game. You never know when it’s going to click for anyone. The guys that never give up, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get themselves back to that position, you have to respect that.”
Hart’s journey back to the majors is particularly remarkable given the challenges he faced during his earlier stint in 2020. Dealing with Lyme disease, he had dropped down to 186 pounds ahead of his major-league debut. Now, he has bulked up to 210 pounds and credits his success to the support of his teammates and the environment in the Padres’ clubhouse.
“Petco’s amazing,” Hart said. “I haven’t been to all the ballparks in the country, but I find it hard to believe there’s many better than this one. I mean, it’s Monday night, and there’s 43-and-change here. I don’t know who else is doing that consistently.”
As the game progressed, Hart continued to find his rhythm, utilizing a sharper overall repertoire compared to his previous appearances. He struck out four batters and walked only one, while also showcasing improved velocity. His ability to navigate through the Guardians’ lineup while maintaining composure in front of a sold-out crowd was a testament to his growth as a pitcher.
Meanwhile, the Padres’ offense was relentless. Sheets’ two-run doubles came in both the four-run second inning and a three-run fifth inning, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Guardians. Jason Heyward also contributed with a sacrifice fly in the second inning and a double in the fifth, adding to the Padres’ offensive onslaught.
With this victory, the Padres not only celebrated Hart’s return to the big leagues but also marked a significant milestone in their franchise history. The team’s 5-0 start is a promising sign for fans, as they hope to build on this momentum throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the Padres are set to continue their series against the Guardians, with left-handed pitcher Logan Allen taking the mound for Cleveland and right-hander Michael King scheduled to pitch for San Diego in the next game. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and fans are eager to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
In conclusion, Kyle Hart’s journey back to the major leagues is a testament to perseverance and hard work. His performance on the mound, coupled with the Padres’ historic start, sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.
