Padres Might Turn To Minor League Reliever Optioned After Seoul Series

Maren Angus-Coombs | Apr 11, 2024

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres have a bullpen problem, particularly in the middle innings, and it stems from sending Steven Wilson to the Chicago White Sox as part of the trade for Dylan Cease.

The right-hander had posted a 3.48 ERA over 102 appearances in two seasons in the Padres bullpen. He had his share of blowups but was effective and utilized often.

His departure has left the Padres searching for someone to step into his role.

Stephen Kolek has been manager Mike Shildt's first option. His arsenal equipped with a sinker and sweeper is supposed to induce a heavy dose of ground balls. However, his lack of command has led to giving up five earned runs on seven hits across 7 2/3 innings. His earned run average is 5.87 in seven appearances. He has also walked three and hit two batters.

With Kolek struggling, one possibility is Jeremiah Estrada who would need to be called up from El Paso. He made the roster for the season-opening series in Seoul before being optioned to Triple-A. He has only allowed one earned run in 3 2/3 innings with eight strikeouts and two walks.

There's no guarantee that Estrada will consistently be better than Kolek, who would have to clear waivers to remain with the Padres if they choose to send him to Triple-A. But it could be worth a shot.

Of course, not sweeping a series at home with the top three pitchers throwing can put the bullpen under the microscope. The rotation is supposed to be the strength of the staff, setting the bullpen up for success instead of depending on the bullpen to prevent an ace from getting a loss.

The reality is the Padres needed a huge comeback to keep Yu Darvish from losing and couldn't come back to get Joe Musgrove a win. San Diego is only going to be as good as their starting pitching which, right now, needs to be better.