Internal relief options for the Padres
Credit: AP Photo
The San Diego Padres will look to add to their offense this week via trade.
The MLB Trade Deadline is a week away, and the Padres will likely make a few adjustments to the roster. There are concerns about the lineup, but some argue there are equal worries when it comes to the bullpen.
A.J. Preller did well to provide depth for the Padres in regards to the starting staff, but the bullpen has been hit and miss all season long. Taylor Rogers leads MLB in saves with 28 but has also blown seven games. Come playoff time; the Padres cannot have a meltdown like that.
Thankfully, the Padres have several pitchers returning from injury who will provide reinforcements to a depleted bullpen. Adrian Morejon has already shown a glimpse of what this unit is capable of producing. The lefty returned from Tommy John surgery throwing in the upper 90s and there is a lot of excitement about his future.
Here is a look at some other pitchers who should be helpful to the Padres this season.
The Padres signed Pomeranz to a four-year deal at $34 million, and some eyebrows were raised around MLB. The lefty has been solid when he has pitched, but injuries have limited him to 47 games since 2020, when the Padres signed him. Pomeranz is making $10 million this season and another $10 million next season.
In recent days, the veteran faced live batters, and Bob Melvin indicated that his next step is a rehab appearance. The hope is that he will return to the team in the coming weeks from his sore left arm. If the Padres can add him to the roster, it would be a huge boost as Pomeranz owns a 1.52 ERA in 44 innings since the Padres brought him back.
The Venezuelan rookie with a triple-digit fastball struck out the side on Tuesday in the ACL. He started the game and showcased a lively fastball and no ill effects from the banged-up knee, which sidelined him a few months ago.
Suarez is still very raw, but he will be a big addition to the middle relief portion of the bullpen. There is upside with him, and he showed increased ability just before he went down with an injury. The Padres are excited about his potential.
The curveball specialist is unheralded, but if he can return to form, Johnson will be a big addition for the Padres. Forearm tendinitis sidelined him in May, but reports are that he is getting close to returning. Johnson will need to go on rehab before returning to the Padres bullpen.
The Cuban fireball pitcher is returning from Tommy John and pitching in the minors. Baez is still throwing hard and looks to be a middle relief option for the team eventually. Beaz is 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA in 23 games, and 30.2 innings pitched between Single-A and Triple-A. Baez is close to making his return to the Padres.
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This 26-year-old lefty has had terrible luck when it comes to health. The Padres allowed him to test the free-agent waters this past winter, but he returned to San Diego on a minor league deal. He is pitching well in the minors, posting a 1.76 ERA and a 1.239 WHIP In 31 games and 30.2 innings pitched. He is a phone call away and could make his return to Petco at some point this season. However, he is not currently on the 40-man roster.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.
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