Padres Bullpen Tearing at the Seams

Jun 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher

(50) throws the ball in the 7th inning against the Washington Nationals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Stan Liu-USA TODAY Sports

Today, the Padres announced they placed Nick Vincent on the DL and purchased the contract of Blaine Boyer.  This comes just one day after recently acquired lefty, Troy Patton, had also been placed on the DL to make room for Jesse Hahn. Patton landed on the DL due to shoulder soreness while Vincent is suffering from shoulder fatigue.

Fans could tell something was wrong with Vincent based on his recent performance. He’s allowed 9 runs over his last 2 2/3 innings while giving up 8 runs in his first 24 1/3 innings. Clearly, when someone as young as Vincent drops off like he has, there’s an issue. Hopefully, taking these next 2 weeks off will allow him to back to his old form.

Patton on the other hand has his numbers trending the other way. He came over from the Baltimore Orioles carrying an 8.10 ERA, but since joining the Friars, seven of his eight outing have been scoreless appearances.  He leaves an even bigger void than Vincent does, because he leaves Alex Torres as the only lefty in the pen.

Yesterday, everyone saw what Jesse Hahn was capable of doing, but the bigger question mark is Blaine Boyer. This will be his second stint in San Diego this season. His first one didn’t last very long, making just one appearance throwing 2 scoreless innings. Those 2 innings were his first in the majors since 2011. He’ll try to build off his success he’s had this year in El Paso where he has posted a 3.21 ERA in 28 games.