LOS ANGELES -- The Padres’ bullpen, even amid the team’s recent struggles, has remained an unquestioned strength this season. That notion might soon be put to the test.
Right-hander Jason Adam, 34, landed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder strain, ahead of Thursday’s series opener against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Adam, one of the primary setup men for closer Mason Miller, slumped to a 5.11 ERA in June.
It’s unclear when, exactly, Adam sustained the injury, and the team offered no specifics on the injury or his timeline. The move is retroactive to Tuesday.
In a corresponding move, San Diego reinstated righty Germán Márquez from the 15-day IL after he’d missed two months with right forearm nerve inflammation.
It’s unclear precisely what role Márquez will fill. He spent the first month of the season as a starter, but he could serve as a long man for the team’s beleaguered bullpen. The Padres have dropped five straight and have been forced to rely on their bullpen far too heavily in recent weeks.
While Márquez might be able to chew up innings, he’s certainly no replacement for Adam, who regularly pitches high-leverage innings. The loss of Adam is a tough one for a San Diego bullpen that is already without Jeremiah Estrada (right knee inflammation). Adam was an All-Star last season; across 36 appearances this year, he has posted a 2.51 ERA.