Estrada (knee) placed on IL; Morgan called up to fill spot in 'pen
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SAN DIEGO -- The Padres placed right-hander Jeremiah Estrada on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation on Friday, the latest in a series of recent injury blows for San Diego.
The move comes on the same day that left fielder Ramón Laureano underwent surgery on his ailing right hip, which could force him to miss the remainder of the season.
Estrada’s absence is not expected to be nearly as lengthy or serious. Right-hander David Morgan was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to take his spot on the roster.
“Should be back relatively quick, but it was just bothering him pushing off the mound,” said Padres manager Craig Stammen. “Felt like it was best to IL him and get David Morgan here to fill his spot.”
The move is retroactive to June 3, putting Estrada’s earliest possible return date at June 19. It’s already the second trip to the IL for Estrada this season, after he missed a couple weeks in April while dealing with right elbow tendinitis. In 21 appearances this year, Estrada has posted a 3.48 ERA.
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Essentially, Estrada has served as the Padres’ fourth high-leverage option behind closer Mason Miller and setup men Adrian Morejon and Jason Adam. In his absence, it’s easy to envision Bradgley Rodriguez assuming that role. The rookie right-hander has a 1.57 ERA in 25 outings this season and has lately begun to earn some big spots.
Morgan, meanwhile, figures to join Ron Marinaccio in a middle-innings length role. Morgan broke onto the scene last year, with a 2.66 ERA in 41 appearances as a rookie. But he struggled with walks early this season and posted a 6.08 ERA with 11 free passes in 13 1/3 innings.
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Of course, if there’s one area on the roster where the Padres can withstand a short-term injury, it’s in the bullpen. Estrada’s absence will certainly be felt, but they boast one of the deepest groups of relievers in the Majors. It’s a far greater priority to have a healthy Estrada down the stretch.
“After his last outing, he didn’t recover very well from it,” Stammen said. “Felt like it was just smart to take care of it now, get him back ready in a few weeks.”