Sox players, coaches, and staffers reconnected with the former Boston shortstop at Petco Park Friday before the start of a three-game series against the Padres.

As Dennis Lin of The Athletic pointed out, the resurgence of Xander Bogaerts lately has been a huge reason for the Padres taking the lead from the Dodgers in the NL West. Ironically, his resurgence came after a loss to the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts commended Will Smith for his play behind the plate on Saturday, as he threw out three Padres baserunners in the first

Padres second. Xander Bogaerts grounds out to third base, Alex Freeland to Freddie Freeman. Jackson Merrill flies out to left field to Michael Conforto. Ramon Laureano homers to left field.