San Diego Padres' Luis Arráez Doesn't Strike Out, Extends Historic Start to Season

Luis Arráez has struck out just one time through the first 17 games of the 2025 regular season, earning the San Diego Padres first baseman a spot in the history books.
San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Luis Arraez (4) celebrates after hitting a single during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park.
San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Luis Arraez (4) celebrates after hitting a single during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park. | David Frerker-Imagn Images

In this story:


Luis Arráez has made a habit of avoiding strikeouts ever since he reached the big leagues, and that habit has helped him make history time and time again.

The San Diego Padres first baseman went 3-for-5 with a home run and zero strikeouts Monday night, scoring twice in his team's 10-4 win over the Chicago Cubs. It marked the fourth game in a row in which Arráez refused to strike out, fresh off his 12-game strikeout-less streak to open the season.

Through 17 games, Arráez may only be batting .282 with a .715 OPS, but he has just one strikeout to his name.

Underdog Fantasy's Justin Havens noted that Arráez became the first player with no more than one strikeout in the first 16 games of a season – minimum 60 plate appearances – since Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski achieved the feat in 2011. Pierzynski struck out for the second time in game No. 17, though, while Arráez did not.

Arráez, a three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger, has won three consecutive batting titles over the past three seasons. He did so with the Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins before joining the Padres.

For his career, Arráez is a .322 hitter with a .788 OPS, averaging seven home runs, 33 doubles, 58 RBIs, 200 hits and a 3.4 WAR per 162 games. He has drawn 198 walks since making his MLB debut in 2019, compared to his 195 strikeouts.

Related MLB Stories

  • PITTSBURGH SNAPS SLUMP: Prior to their blowout win over the Nationals on Monday, the Pirates boasted the lowest batting average through 16 games by any NL team in over a century. CLICK HERE
  • BRYANT HITS IL AGAIN: Rockies designated hitter Kris Bryant, who was ice cold at the plate to open the 2025 regular season, is headed to the injured list once again. CLICK HERE
  • JUDGE JOINS USA: Aaron Judge went live on MLB Network to announce he would be playing for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, getting named captain by manager Mark DeRosa. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.


Published
Sam Connon
SAM CONNON

Sam Connon is a staff writer covering baseball for “Fastball on SI.’’ He previously covered UCLA Athletics for On SI’s All Bruins site, and is a UCLA graduate, with his work there as a sports columnist receiving awards from the College Media Association and Society of Professional Journalists. Connon also wrote for On SI’s New England Patriots site, Patriots Country, and he was on the Patriots and Boston Red Sox beats at Prime Time Sports Talk. Sam lives in Boston.

Share on XFollow SamConnon