Key Padres Reliever Likely to Start the Season on the Injured List

Robert Suarez could be back sometime in April

Your San Diego Padres will lose a key arm out of the pen to start the 2023 season. After suffering some "stiffness" and joint inflammation during his outing mid-March, reliever Robert Suarez will start the season on the injured list. 

Per @sdutKevinAcee: Robert Suarez “has been sidelined by what is described as arm “stiffness” and joint inflammation. The team’s inclination at this point is to place him on the injured list at the start of the season” pic.twitter.com/hMRcXdngve

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 25, 2023

2022 was Suarez's first year as a pro, and he did not disappoint. 

Suarez signed a five-year $46 million contract to remain in San Diego after playing a crucial role in their 2022 postseason run. The 32-year-old earned every penny of that contract going 5-1 with a 2.27 ERA, 61 strikeouts, and a 1.05 WHIP in 47/2 innings and 45 games for the Friars. 

According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune, the righty reliever wouldn't spend too much time on the injured list if he recovers as soon as possible. 

The Padres have suffered a ton on the injury side of things, but luckily, nothing too severe for them. Still, he joins ace Joe Musgrove in the IL after he dropped a kettle ball on his foot and fractured his toe. 

A few other Padres are dealing with some injuries that have kept them sidelined for a bit, but they should be ready by the time Opening Day arrives. 

Suarez had only pitched in four games in spring training and recorded a 4.50 ERA in four innings and two strikeouts. 

Let's hope we can see Suarez out on the mound sooner rather than later, serving as a filthy reliever for the Friars.