Padres Fans React to Ryan O’Hearn Being On the Bench Yet Again

Aug 9, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Ryan O'Hearn (32) earns an RBI walk during the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images | David Frerker-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres have once again dropped Ryan O'Hearn from the lineup, leading fans to wonder why the recently acquired hitter is not getting many opportunities.

The Padres are facing the San Francisco Giants on Monday, though the lineup for San Diego does not feature O'Hearn, who was traded to the Padres in a package that also landed outfielder Ramon Laureano.

In 13 games and 41 at-bats, O'Hearn is batting .182/.317/.333 with San Diego, hitting one homer while driving in five runs with his bat.

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On Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the lefty batter hit a massive double against left handed pitcher Anthony Banda, getting the game-tying RBI in the eighth.

This season, he has played 50 games against left-handed pitchers, and he is hitting .267/.362/..450 with six doubles, six RBIs, and a homer.

Considering his solid hitting against lefties and the Padres' weakness when facing southpaws, it would make sense to start him against lefty Robbie Ray on Monday, but Padres manager Mike Shildt has opted for his regular lineup instead, even with the absence of Jackson Merrill.

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Under the lineup post for Monday's game, Padres fans showed frustration about O'Hearn's absence in the matchup.

The Ryan O'Hearn disrespect just hit another level. What are we doin' Mike.

— Bret Skinner (@bretskinner_) August 18, 2025

So the team that is on bottom 10 for homeruns continues to bench two sluggers, one of which was acquired in a massive trade. What’s going on here? Screw the matchups, put the best damn lineup on the field.

— frequentfriar (@xelantfriar) August 18, 2025

I try to be positive, but this favoritism with the lineup construction has to stop. O’Hearn’s numbers against LHP are superior to Arraez and it’s not even close. Are we Major League Baseball team or here to protect pro athletes’ feelings? Team! We > Me

— Coastal Card Collector (@coastalcardcoll) August 18, 2025

Can a reporter PLEASE ask Shildt why O’hearn isn’t in the lineup every day???

2025 vs LHP

Arraez: .263/.288/.349, 79 wRC+
O’Hearn: .267/.362/.450, 130 wRC+

— Arraez Singles (@Terpin_) August 18, 2025

AJ please bring to light whatever crime that O'Hearn has committed that relegates him to the bench.

— spliffmcgriff (@deepfriedfriar) August 18, 2025

Sitting a starting all star for Arraez, Johnson, and Iglesias will be Shildt’s downfall and cause for eventual departure from San Diego. It’s so preventable too.

— Kev (@KevinTweets__) August 18, 2025

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