San Diego Padres: Bryan Mitchell Could Return As A Starter

The injury bug has spread its way into the San Diego Padres’ locker room and has now found its way to El Paso. Does this mean Bryan Mitchell will be returning to the mound as a starter this weekend?

Things were going so well down in El Paso for Luis Perdomo. The San Diego Padres starting pitcher had started six games for the Chihuahuas, limiting hitters to a .200 batting average through 41.2 innings. Unfortunately, Perdomo has found his way onto the MiLB disabled list with shoulder soreness, per the Padres beat staff.

The Padres have not officially named a starting pitcher for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Perdomo seemed to be the perfect option. It’s only been a few weeks, however, Perdomo’s 0.94 WHIP and 36/9 K/BB ratio in El Paso showed a lot of growth. The one real caution coming from the 10 home runs he has given up.

Perdomo is out of the question now, leaving pitching duties up to the bullpen on Sunday. Robbie Erlin last pitched on May 21st, getting the start against the Washington Nationals. Earlin gave up six runs on seven hits (including two home runs) in four innings.

As a starter (two starts), Erlin is allowing opposing batters to reach base in 44% of at-bats, paired with a .412 batting average and 1.297 OPS against him.

He’s been the complete opposite as a reliever (.200 BAA, .467 OPS), highlighting the need to stay away from using Erlin as a starter, again.

Do the San Diego Padres have other options outside of Bryan Mitchell?

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Like Erlin, Bryan Mitchell has not pitched since May 21st. Appearing in relief of Erlin’s start in Washington, Mitchell gave up seven hits and four earned runs in three innings.

Mitchell has started against the Dodgers twice this season, both times at Petco Park. His last outing (May 5th) was a brief 2.1 inning start in which he gave up three runs, walked three, and gave up five hits.

However, Mitchell’s second-best start in 2018 came against Los Angeles. His April 17th outing received a 47 game score, according to Fangraphs. He went six innings (longest outing of the season) and struck out four while giving up three walks, three runs, and five hits.

Hey, I’m trying really hard to see the slightest glimmer of light in this situation. Joey Lucchesi may not be back this week, meaning whoever gets the nod on Sunday will most likely make one more start, pending their peformance on Sunday, of course.

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Don’t expect anyone from El Paso to be called up for Sunday with Mitchell and Erlin both well rested. Which one would you rather see get the ball against the Dodgers?