San Diego Padres Move Bryan Mitchell to the Bullpen

After an ineffective run in the San Diego Padres’ starting rotation, the team has decided to move Bryan Mitchell into a relief role.

In a move that was largely expected by all parties involved, the San Diego Padres have decided to use Bryan Mitchell primarily as a relief pitcher moving forward.

Originally believed to be the centerpiece of the return in the trade that also brought Chase Headley back to San Diego in exchange for outfielder Jabari Blash, the 27-year-old right-hander simply hasn’t been effective.

In seven starts this season, Mitchell has a 6.47 earned-run average with a paltry 58 ERA+. His FIP is even higher than his ERA at 6.72. Mitchell has walked an astounding 26 batters in 32 innings of work, striking out 16 and owning a 2.00 WHIP.

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San Diego Padres have given Mitchell every chance to succeed

In so many words, Bryan Mitchell has been a complete disappointment as a starting pitcher this season.

Because he is out of minor-league options, Andy Green and Padres’ GM AJ Preller had to make a choice; designate Mitchell for assignment, or give him a shot out of the bullpen.

They apparently still hold out hope that Mitchell can turn things around and show the promise that he exhibited in the Yankees’ system as well as in spurts this spring.

Mitchell has some experience as an RP

Throughout his MLB career, Mitchell has pitched 57.2 innings in relief, owning a 5.77 earned-run average with a 1.595 WHIP. By comparison, as a starter, he has a 4.95 earned-run average with a 1.803 WHIP.

It seems like whichever role Bryan Mitchell has found himself in over his professional baseball career, he can’t help but fall into traps like losing his command or letting one bad at-bat ruin an effective stretch.

If Mitchell can’t find anything resembling a groove in his new role in the San Diego Padres bullpen, there aren’t many other options for the team to explore after that.

Next: Padres Have to Choose a Path for Pirela

If he can’t show Green and Preller that he can step up to the challenge, there are more than a few hungry, young hurlers in the Padres’ minor-league system that are quite literally frothing at the mouths for their respective chances to shine.