SAN DIEGO -- The Padres built a super-bullpen. Keeping it healthy has been another story.
San Diego placed right-hander Jeremiah Estrada on the 15-day injured list ahead of its 3-0 win on Wednesday over Pittsburgh with a right shoulder impingement. Right-hander David Morgan was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to take his place on the roster.
It marks the third time this season that Estrada has landed on the injured list -- with three separate injuries. He missed three weeks in April with right elbow tendinitis, then nearly two months midseason with right knee inflammation.
“After the game [Monday], he felt a little bit of something in his right shoulder,” said manager Craig Stammen. “Nothing crazy. No MRI. Just making sure that we’re taking care of all the ailments right now and hopefully get him back for the stretch run.”
Estrada’s absence is a blow to one of the best bullpens in baseball this season. When he’s been healthy, Estrada has posted a 3.48 ERA with a 3.01 FIP and 38 strikeouts in 31 innings.
Closer Mason Miller and setup man Adrian Morejon have been lights out at the back end of the San Diego bullpen. But the Padres do have some questions about the other high leverage arms in their ‘pen.
Rookie Bradgley Rodriguez has been a revelation. But he’s pitched more this year than he ever did in the Minor Leagues. Jason Adam is still working his way back from a right shoulder strain, set to report to the team’s complex in Peoria, Ariz. in the coming days, where he’ll continue his throwing progression.
Now there’s further uncertainty surrounding Estrada amid his stop-and-start season. Sure, the Padres have enough weapons to withstand his absence. But Estrada has been solid in the postseason over the past couple years, and the Padres clearly envisioned using him in big spots down the stretch.
With Estrada on the IL, left-handers Yuki Matsui and Kyle Hart could see higher leverage opportunities. They’ve both been excellent lately. Morgan, meanwhile, brings plenty of upside, so long as he’s in the strike zone.
In 59 appearances over the past two seasons, Morgan owns a 3.25 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 36 walks across 69 1/3 innings.