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Padres Spring Update: Jose Valverde Hopes For Another Shot In Majors

By Ryan Pedersen

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In life, it’s all about how you get back up from falling. With Jose Valverde, the San Diego Padres are hoping that former all-star closer Jose Valverde gets back up.

The 36-year-old Valverde signed a minor-league contract last month and hasn’t pitched since giving up four runs in an inning last may and being booed off the mound at Citi Field in New York with the Mets last season. 

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Valverde still thinks he has what it takes to still be a great reliever in the majors; all he needed was just some time to rest his arm.

“My last year in Detroit, I pitched almost every single day, and I think this is what happened — I think my arm got a little tired, So far, I feel great.” Said Valverde as reported by Dennis Lin of the U-T San Diego.

Still, Valverde knows this roster, especially in the bullpen that is traditionally a strength for the Padres, will be an uphill battle for him to make the team out of camp and will probably require a near perfect Cactus League month.

Even the skip Buddy Black, who has a lot to prove himself this season, knows this will be tough challenge for Jose. “He’s another veteran presence who’s been down the path a little bit and has some experience, but he still has decent stuff. It’s going to be a battle for him because we have some good guys, but I like Valverde.”

Padres’ fans all over can’t wait to see if Jose Valverde could be a “diamond in the ruff” like Josh Johnson could hopefully be. Pitching at Petco Park could do wonders to Valverde’s career; all he has to do is show that he could be the Valverde of old again.

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