Padres Chris Paddack (Fernando Rodney Trade) Out Indefinitely

The Padres are playing it safe with Chris Paddack, the top pitching prospect who they received in exchange for Fernando Rodney, after he felt stiffness in his forearm down in Single A Fort Wayne.

The Padres had been happy with what they had been seeing from the newcomer to the system, as he had allowed just one run while striking out 23 in 14 innings for the Tincaps.

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Padres General Manager was very excited about the 20 year old pitching prospect when he acquired him from the Marlins for Fernando Rodney – who pitched great for the Padres – but it was clear he had no future for the Padres at his age and the Padres current state.

Said Preller to MLB.com when he acquired Paddack, They were willing to put in good pieces to get good pieces, I look at it that way in this case. There was quite a bit of interest from other clubs.”

Apparently Paddack had felt tendinitis in his elbow during Spring Training but it is currently unknown if that issue is related or not. It does highlight the dangers of dealing proven major league commodities for minor league prospects.

This trade seems to be one the Padres are happy to get anything – but the recent trade of Melvin Upton Jr.perhaps raises more eyebrows. He had another year left and was having a great year. Could A.J. have gotten at least several prospects who might have a cumulatively higher chance of making it the majors one day?

Next: Padres Trade Melvin Upton Jr.to Blue Jays

Of course right now we don’t know much else about the injury – it could be absolutely nothing and simply a team protecting their new investment. Arm trouble is never good – so the Padres are playing it safe. Paddack is just 20 years old with a bright future and the Padres want him performing for years to come – not just finishing out a season in Low Single A Fort Wayne.