Padres News: Friars Call Up Prospect From AA to Bolster Bullpen Ahead of Final Series Before Break
The San Diego Padres got some help in the bullpen on Friday, and they're getting it in the form of a reliever who's quickly risen up the ranks in 2023.
The organization called up right-hander Alek Jacob ahead of their weekend series against the New York Mets in a battle of two teams who've fallen well short of expectations this season.
Jacob, 25, would make his major league debut if he walks out to the mound in this series, a culmination of an excellent season for the former 16th-round pick after just two seasons in the minors.
Jacob has spent the entire season pitching for the Double-A San Antonio Missions, but he's done it in spectacular fashion, pitching his way to a 1.32 ERA and 0.98 WHIP over 18 appearances.
His reliability out of the bullpen gave the organization the impression that he was worthy of the immediate jump to the big leagues instead of Triple-A this season, and Jacob is listed as the No. 26 prospect in the Padres minor league system in MLB Pipeline's latest update due to his performances.
As far as what to look for when it comes to Jacob, he is at the opposite end of the spectrum concerning relievers in today's game.
In contrast to most bullpen arms who get outs through high velocity, Jacob goes about it the other way. He has an upper-80s fastball and a low-70's changeup, but his sidearm delivery makes him difficult to hit.
He's succeeded with his unconventional delivery throughout professional ball, and that figures to give him a fighting chance in the big leagues.
The Padres optioned left-handed reliever Jose Castillo to Triple-A El Paso in a corresponding move. His only appearance for San Diego this season didn't go well, as he gave up four runs on two hits and two walks apiece and only lasted 1/3 of an inning.
