Ever since Jeremiah Estrada was claimed off waivers in November 2023, he has been a staple in the Padres’ bullpen.

In 2024, Estrada even claimed the record for the most consecutive strikeouts for a pitcher (13). The Coachella Valley native looked to continue his dominance in 2026 by getting in better shape and dropping some weight.

From the end of 2025, Estrada weighed in at 230 pounds, and he arrived at Spring Training in 2026 at 206 pounds. Estrada said in an article from the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Jeff Sanders that he invested in himself more during the offseason. He started walking more, playing pickleball, and eating healthier.

Velocity drop

Estrada’s four-seam fastball averaged at 97.9 mph in 2025. After his weight loss and tweak in mechanics over the offseason, in Cactus League play, the four-seamer was down a few ticks and was in the 95 mph range. The electric high fastball that was a key part of his success over the parts of 2024 and 2025 was going to be easier for batters to pick up on in the box. His Spring numbers were great, striking out 16 batters in nine and 2/3 innings without allowing a run. Although he looked fine, it would be tough to see a world where Estrada sustained success through a full Major League season with his velocity dropping.

First few weeks

The 27-year-old’s first few weeks of the 2026 season were not great to say the least. In his season debut on March 27 against the Tigers, Estrada would give up four earned runs in the eighth inning. That would give him the loss and put the Padres at 0-2 to start the year. In this outing, Estrada walked three men. The four-seamer’s velocity was still down in the 95-mph range, and he was unable to command any of his other off-speed pitches such as his chitter and slider.

From March 31 to April 8, Estrada would appear in five games for San Diego. During this stretch, the pitcher would not allow any earned runs and wouldn’t walk any guys. He was striking guys out at a decent rate, striking out five batters in his 5.0 innings during this five-game span. Although Estrada was getting outs, he was getting hit hard and the velocity was still down on his fastball. During this period, his fastball was further down in velocity, sitting around the 93-94 mph range.

Now to his outing on April 9 against Colorado which would end up being his last before his stint on the injured list. In an inning and a third, Estrada allowed two hits, two runs and walked two Rockies. Out of Estrada’s 24 pitches, just 12 would be for strikes, certainly an area for concern as high leverage relievers must willing to fill the zone with their high-powered arsenal. Estrada’s fastball reached a low of 92.2 mph in this game. The right-handed pitcher just didn’t have much confidence to pound the zone with his fastball that lost life and wasn’t as sharp.

Injured list stint

On April 10, it was announced that Jeremiah Estrada was going on the 15-day injured list for Jason Adam who would be reinstated from IL. Perhaps a few weeks to get right again is just what Estrada needed to get back to his old self.

In Estrada’s first rehab outing on April 24 with the Padres’ Single-A Affiliate, Lake Elsinore Storm, he looked sharp. The fastball was back up to 97 mph. In this outing, Estrada tossed a scoreless inning and struck out a batter on his chitter. A sign in the right direction for his success.

Jeremiah Estrada that is BEAUTIFUL pic.twitter.com/z5Pfd0RuQ0

— Lake Elsinore Storm (@Storm_Baseball) April 25, 2026

Estrada would pitch in another game with the Storm on April 28. His stuff and velocity were still at its peak form. Estrada threw a clean frame while striking out another batter. It certainly seemed like he was bound to be back with the Big-League squad at any moment. Estrada started off the month of April a bit rocky but certainly turned it around in a span of just a few weeks.

Back with the Padres

On May 1, the Padres reinstated Estarada from the injured list and in a corresponding move, David Morgan was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. In his pregame interview, Estrada mentioned that he made adjustments with adding more explosiveness, along with adding on some more weight. Estrada joked that eating more of his abuela’s tamales and his fiancé’s cooking helped get him back to shape. The time off gave Estrada an opportunity to gain around eight or nine pounds and get back to around the weight he was at during his best years as a Padre. He attributed his ability to get his velocity back to the staff, analytics, getting stronger and eating more.

In his first appearance back from the IL on May 2, Estrada would look to start his month of the May in the same fashion his April concluded. Estrada struck out the the side in order in just 13 pitches. Facing the White Sox, Estrada struck out Chase Meidroth, Sam Antonacci and Edgar Quero. His four-seamer reached as high as 97.9 mph, the same speed it averaged at in 2025. This was certainly a positive for both Estrada and the Padres. With his fastball velocity back up, his ability to command his chitter and slider became better.

Jeremiah Estrada is back, and he’s pumping GAS

97.9 mph fastball on his first strikeout back#Padres #ForTheFaithful pic.twitter.com/JW4LADCQdI

— Carlos (@LFGPads19) May 3, 2026

Estrada even stepped up and picked up a save in May 16th’s game against the Mariners. Closer Mason Miller was unavailable because he had thrown 34 high pressure pitches the night before.

The #padres have won back-to-back series against the Mariners on the season

Final score 7-4 as Jeremiah Estrada shuts the door pic.twitter.com/k5TMECVXzt

— Carlos (@LFGPads19) May 17, 2026

As of May 28, Estrada looked just as we all remember. From May 2 to May 27, he’s logged 11.0 innings, allowing just two earned runs and striking out 12 batters. His ability to limit base runners and hard contact has been key. Estrada owns a 0.73 WHIP so far during the month of May.

Up until May 28, Estrada owns a 1.00 WHIP and has struck out 20 batters in 18 innings. His 135 ERA+ is great as it is 35% better than the league average.

For Estrada to overcome his minor setback and get back to his old self has been a great help for this bullpen. His ability to be this reliable during the middle innings of a game is a trait that most teams wish they had out of their closer. Estrada sets the table for Adrian Morejon, Jason Adam and Mason Miller.

When Jeremiah Estrada is at his best, he is a major asset to this Padres bullpen that looks as dangerous as ever.

Angel Flores

Angel grew up a San Diego sports fan, following the Padres, SDSU athletics, San Diego FC, as well as the Chargers. He is currently a third year community college student, and will transfer to SDSU to pursue a career in Journalism.