SAN DIEGO -- Right-hander Jhony Brito is ready to pitch in the big leagues for the first time in nearly two seasons after having his career interrupted by elbow surgery.
Brito was in the Padres’ clubhouse before Monday night’s series opener against Arizona and will be activated Tuesday.
“What role, that’s to be determined, but we feel good about his rehab process,” manager Craig Stammen said. “He’s been pitching the ball well and we’re excited to get him [as] a part of our pitching staff.”
The Padres haven’t announced a starter for Tuesday night. Stammen said Brito is under consideration.
“I think we’ve got an idea of what we’re probably expecting tomorrow, but things change on a daily basis,” he said.
Brito last pitched for the Padres on Aug. 10, 2024, working 2 1/3 innings in a 9-8 victory in Miami. It was his 26th appearance, all in relief, in his first season with the Padres. He was one of five players obtained from the Yankees in the blockbuster deal that sent Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to the Yankees on Dec. 7, 2023.
Brito, 28, underwent UCL internal brace surgery and flexor tendon surgery in April 2025.
He’s made four rehab starts each at Triple-A El Paso and Double-A San Antonio this year, and two in the Arizona Complex League. He was 1-1 with a 0.96 ERA and 19 strikeouts against nine walks in 18 2/3 innings at El Paso, and 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA and eight strikeouts with five walks in 18 1/3 innings at San Antonio.
“I’m happy,” Brito said through interpreter Jorge Merlos. “After all the time in trying to come back from injury, it’s exciting to be back. Once they told me I was going to come back, I was really excited.”
San Diego’s injured list is full of both starters and relievers. Most recently, starter Randy Vásquez (right ankle bruise) and relievers Jason Adam (right shoulder strain) and David Morgan (left knee inflammation) have joined starter Lucas Giolito (right elbow inflammation) and relievers Jeremiah Estrada (right knee inflammation) and Matt Waldron (right brachialis muscle injury) on the 15-day IL.
Opening Day starter Nick Pivetta (right elbow inflammation) is on the 60-day IL, as is Joe Musgrove, who hasn’t pitched since having right elbow surgery on Oct. 11, 2024.
Brito said he hasn’t been told what his role will be.
“I feel like I can contribute however the team needs me,” he said. “I know it’s in kind of a bit of trouble right now, but however I can be available, I’ll be there.
“All about the routine that you put together while you’re rehabbing. It’s however your arm is going to feel at the end of the day. After all this rehab and after all the work I’ve been able to put in, I feel like I’m ready to contribute to the team.”
Brito was 9-7 with a 4.28 ERA in 25 games with the Yankees as a rookie in 2023, including 13 starts.