SAN DIEGO -- The Padres are swapping one high-leverage righty reliever 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.
The team offered no specifics on the severity of Estrada’s injury.
Adam underwent surgery to repair his ruptured left quadriceps tendon last September. He made a pair of scoreless appearances in the Cactus League, then pitched four scoreless outings in a rehab stint with Triple-A El Paso.
What is Estrada’s status?
The right-hander had gotten off to a bit of a slow start to the season. In seven innings, he’d allowed six runs (four earned). Notably, Estrada’s velocity was down a couple ticks -- from 97.9 mph on average last season to 95 through his first seven appearances.
Manager Craig Stammen had previously downplayed that decrease in velocity, citing the nature of the early portion of the season. But evidently Estrada was dealing with some level of discomfort along the way.
There’s been no indication regarding the nature of Estrada’s injury -- how long it’s been bothering him or how long it might keep him out. Estrada had never before landed on the IL as a big leaguer.
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.
Adam should seamlessly slot into the role vacated by Estrada -- the primary right-handed setup option for closer Mason Miller.
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.