Padres News: Craig Stammen Likely To Retire Following Shoulder Injury

Friars veteran didn't confirm anything but views himself pitching again as 'highly unlikely.'

This is not the news we wanted to hear following Padres reliever Craig Stammen's shoulder injury on Friday against the Kansas City Royals. The 38-year-old had spent much of the offseason strengthening his shoulder in hopes he could play the entire year and he was also able to walk off the field on his own so that was a good sign.

Unfortunately, Stammen's injury proved to be a very serious one on the same shoulder that he tore a rotator cuff in back in 2022. MRI's revealed he tore his capsule and strained his subscapula. The RHP joined San Diego-Union Tribune on Sunday morning and shared some heartbreaking news.

Craig Stammen puts the Padre in Padres.#PadresST pic.twitter.com/BRwiG75Gd1

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 9, 2023

"Without saying that I'm done," said Stammen. "It's highly unlikely that I pitch again."

This is a huge blow to the Padres' current environment as Stammen was bringing a whole different energy that was helping the squad. Despite his older age, he was working just as hard as everybody else to make the roster and compete for a championship. In just his first three innings in the Cactus League this year, he did not allow a single run.

Fans were super sad to hear Stammen break this potential news but their hearts are with him nonetheless. Many have called for him to return to the Friars when healthy, but on the coaching staff.

Nelson Cruz as manager and Craig Stammen as bullpen coach

— Nostradumbass (@FriarBad) March 12, 2023

Lots of respect for Craig Stammen. Was one of our best pitchers when our team was fucking terrible.

I hope we can keep him, he seems like he could impart a lot of wisdom on the next generation of Pads hurlers.

— Zak Whyte, Free Bird (🌈 Version) (@Zakman86) March 12, 2023