San Diego Padres: Craig Stammen Provides Stability

The San Diego Padres signing of Craig Stammen has been a superb signing for AJ Preller and company. Stammen has looked invincible every time he has stepped on the mound.

Craig Stammen has been one of the more consistent relief pitchers in MLB since his debut in 2009. The Washington Nationals drafted him in the 12th round of the 2005 amateur draft. After seven seasons with the Nats, appearing in 229 games (38 starts). He joined the San Diego Padres on a minor league contract in 2016.

An injury during the 2015 season (and subsequent setback), forced him to miss all of 2016. He returned in 2017, throwing 80 innings and working a 3.14 earned-run average. The Friars rewarded him with a brand new two-year contract worth $4.5 million.

Stammen provides options for the Friars

Craig Stammen has been the best reliever for the San Diego Padres through the first ten games of the season. More importantly, he’s been the most consistent.

More from Friars on Base

• Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster

Stammen has yet to yield a run in the 6.1 innings that he has hurled. He’s struck out six while allowing only one walk and one hit.

His incredible performance will provide Andy Green with numerous options. If Brad Hand is unable to match his 2017 All-Star form, Green can look for Stammen to be this team’s closer.

If Stammen can continue to flourish with similar numbers and the Friars are not in a spot to compete for playoffs, A.J.Preller can use Stammen as a trade piece to acquire a starting pitcher. Remember Ryan Buchter and Brandon Maurer?

As evidenced by this offseason, high-quality relief pitchers are in high demand. Stammen could draw a lot of interest as the trade deadline nears and potential playoffs teams look to make one more move to help put them over the edge.

Next: Padres Prepare For Series Against Rockies

Craig Stammen is a valuable asset for Friars right now and we only hope his stock increases further.