Gerardo Reyes has solid season in Mexican Pacific League
Credit: Yaquis de Obregon
San Diego Padres’ right-handed pitcher Gerardo Reyes had a solid season this winter in Mexico.
The Mexican Pacific League regular season has come to an end as the playoffs will start this Thursday, Jan.2. Unfortunately for Yaquis de Obregon, Gerardo Reyes will not be part of this playoff run as the right-handed reliever’s permission to play in the LMP from the Padres ended last week.
Reyes announced via Twitter as he said, “The day has come. Thanks to Yaquis de Obregon for giving me the opportunity to keep on working and gaining experience in this beautiful game. Thanks, Yaquis, thanks, Obregon! Until next time.
Reyes will be a significant loss for Obregon as the 26-year-old had a tremendous regular season campaign. The Tamaulipas native was fantastic in 13 1/3 innings of work out of the bullpen as he allowed just two earned runs. There were some major control issues for Reyes as he walked eight batters, but he also picked up 15 strikeouts along the way.
Reyes has been very successful in the LMP before, as he was untouchable last season with no runs allowed in 18 innings. In the 2017/2018 Pacific League season, the Mexican reliever posted a 2.66 ERA in over 20 innings, and he was even better the season before that with a 1.00 ERA.
Reyes has been playing with Obregon since 2014, and it has helped with his progression into the major leagues. The 26-year-old finally made his MLB debut this past season, but he was very inconsistent as he finished the year with a 7.62 ERA in 26 innings pitched.
There were definitely some highs and lows for Reyes throughout the season as he earned his first major league win in his debut. The Mexican-born pitcher had a hot start but did fizzle out as the year went on, and he was definitely outshined by his countryman Andres Munoz.
Reyes will fight for a spot in the Friars’ bullpen out of spring training, but there will be a lot of competition. The 26-year-old will be highly motivated as he will get the chance to play regular-season games in Mexico City against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 18 and 19.
The Padres still have consideration for Reyes to make the opening day roster as they limited his participation in the LMP after pitching in just 13 1/3 innings. However, as mentioned before, there is competition for a bullpen spot, especially with the recent additions of Drew Pomeranz and Pierce Johnson.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.