SAN DIEGO -- The Padres are swapping one high-leverage righty reliever for another -- and one injury concern for another.
They activated Jason Adam from the 15-day injured list ahead of Friday’s game against the Rockies at Petco Park. But in a corresponding move, right-hander Jeremiah Estrada landed on the 15-day IL himself with right elbow tendinitis.
Adam was called upon to record the final out of the eighth inning in the Padres’ walk-off 5-2 victory over Colorado.
Estrada, meanwhile, does not yet have a timetable for his return after he said he experienced “tightness” in his elbow while playing catch prior to the game.
What is Estrada’s status?
The right-hander had started the season slowly, allowing six runs (four earned) across seven innings. But most notably, Estrada’s velocity was down a couple ticks -- from 97.9 mph on average last season to 95 through his first seven appearances. His first pitch on Thursday night was clocked at 92.2 mph.
“I threw 92 yesterday,” Estrada said. “That’s a problem. The last time I hit 92, I was a freshman in high school.”
Estrada said he’s dealt with various aches in his throwing arm over the years, but noted that this one felt slightly different than any he’d experienced before. As he began to get loose, he felt the discomfort, and the throwing session was promptly shut down.
In the immediate aftermath, manager Craig Stammen said it was “too early to say” what the timetable might be, though he added: “I think he’s going to be fine.”
“We’re [not seeing] peak Jeremiah Estrada,” Stammen said. “So I think it’s a good time to be overly cautious, give him a little breather, get him on the IL and get him right.”
Said Estrada: “It hurts to have to be away from the field. But I’d rather come back stronger.”
What to expect from Adam
Adam was an All-Star last summer before he sustained the injury. In parts of two seasons with the Padres, he has posted a 1.66 ERA in 92 appearances. He’s been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball.
And there’s been nothing to indicate that he’ll be anything but that upon his return.
Adam was excellent across those six outings between the Cactus League and Triple-A. He allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings -- including two scoreless frames in his final rehab outing on Wednesday.
The Padres’ initial plan was to wait a day and call Adam up on Saturday. But with Estrada hitting the IL, it made sense to do so a day early, even if Adam would be limited. He was called upon with two on and two out in the eighth and got Ezequiel Tovar to ground to third base, ending the threat. It was the only batter he would face.
How does the bullpen shape up?
Miller has been the most dominant reliever in the sport through his first six appearances this season. But Estrada and lefty Adrian Morejon have struggled thus far bridging games to Miller.
Adam should essentially slot into Estrada’s role. In close games, he’ll pitch the seventh or eighth inning -- depending upon matchups. On the days Miller is unavailable, Adam also has experience finishing games.
The Padres can feel comfortable enough with the depth of their bullpen. David Morgan and Bradgley Rodriguez had been thrust into higher leverage roles with Adam on the IL, and both had thrived. They’ll continue getting those opportunities with Estrada out.