San Diego Padres: A Day Of Firsts For Adam Cimber

Adam Cimber’s major league debut didn’t go the way he wanted, however, the San Diego Padres rookie has the full backing of the coaching staff and hopes for a successful 2018 season.

Domingo Santana led things off with a single up the middle. Adam Cimber wasn’t phased, instead, he forced Manny Pina to ground into a classic 6-4-3 double play. The San Diego Padres found themselves one out away from earning their third chance to secure a walk-off on Opening Day.

Pinch-hitter Ji-Man Choi had other plans. Choi ripped an 87 mph sinker, left over the plate, into right field. He would soon score on an Orlando Arcia single. Cimber left another 87 mph sinker over the plate that resulted in the game-winning hit.

Cimber exited his major league debut with the first loss of his career. No one seemed to be concerned with his outing, rightfully so. Here were Andy Green‘s thoughts to reporters after the game,

"“I just told Adam Cimber I’d put him right back in that situation tomorrow, he threw the ball well. For a debut, first time on the mound, he did great. It’s a dicey situation. I like what he did. He got ground balls.”"

Very high praise from Andy Green. How many veteran relievers would you feel comfortable with putting on the mound in a tied ballgame in the 12th inning? I’m going to assume that list is very small. Green trusted the non-roster invitee turned major leaguer to get the job done. Cimber will rebound from this and emerge as a reliable option out of the San Diego bullpen. Reliability has been his MO his entire minor league career.

Adam Cimber is the perfect prospect to cheer for.

Unless you enjoy taking deep dives into the San Diego Padres’ farm system, Adam Cimber is a name the casual fan probably hadn’t heard of before spring training. The 27-year-old doesn’t even have a clear image on his MiLB.com profile page! Five years and the former 9th round pick out of the University of San Francisco can’t get a decent photo?

He’s never been featured on a list of top prospects within the organization. Other than his funky delivery, no one has given him much of a thought. Speaking of his delivery, can we take a second to look at what he does with his front foot as he comes set to pitch?

Not even a 2.92 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and just 51 hits allowed in 64 innings with AAA El Paso earned Cimber a call-up last season. It took nine innings of shutout spring training baseball for Cimber to earn a spot on the 25-man roster.

Will Cimber stick with the San Diego Padres?

Tyson Ross will be added to the roster in the next few days while, hopefully, Dinelson Lamet can return in May. The Padres also have Carter Capps, Phil Maton, Buddy Baumann, Colten Brewer, Matt Strahm, and Colin Rea all either in the minors or working their way back from injuries in preparation for a major league roster spot soon.

Cimber will have stiff competition all season long if he wants to keep his spot, however, he seems to have Andy Green completely in his corner.

Next: Clayton Richard's Outstanding Opening Day

Whether he remains with the team or not, Adam Cimber will forever find himself in the major league record books. When he entered yesterday’s game in the 12th inning, Cimber became the first and only major league player to wear the number 90 in a regular season game. Sure, he wants to be remembered for a good playing career, but still a cool fact nonetheless.