Long Relievers Have Been Stellar For The Padres

Apr 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tim Stauffer (46) pitches during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Donn Roach and Tim Stauffer have been major contributors to the Padres’ shutdown bullpen this season.  From long relievers to set-up men to the closer, the bullpen has kept San Diego’s postseason hopes alive.

According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the Padres wanted an extra left-handed reliever during Spring Training.  However, the plans changed, and the team decided to go with Roach and Stauffer.

Roach is pitching exceptionally well as a rookie.  He has a 2.57 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched.  Roach’s WHIP is 1.52 in 12 appearances.  His gems include his first major league win after pitching two innings against the Milwaukee Brewers on April 22nd, and four-and-a-third innings of no run ball against the San Francisco Giants on April 29th.

Stauffer has a 2.30 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 15.2 innings pitched.  His WHIP is 1.34 in 11 appearances.  Stauffer’s best game was two-and-a-third innings of no run ball in a 4-3 team win against the Washington Nationals on April 24th.

Brock quotes Bud Black talking about the versatility of the two long relievers, “It’s a little bit comforting because you can use those two guys each and every night, and you can space them out where you’re never worried about length on any given night.”

As the bats heat up, Roach and Stauffer’s value to the ball club will continue to increase.