San Diego Padres: Starting Rotation Shakeup

The San Diego Padres starting rotation will have a different look this week.

After failing to make it out of the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in his last start, San Diego Padres RHP Luis Perdomo has since found his way to the disabled list. As first reported by MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell, an MRI revealed a shoulder strain for Perdomo. He will miss his next few scheduled starts while he heals.

In the meantime, Robbie Erlin will be taking Perdomo’s spot in the starting rotation. Just the other day, we discussed the probability of Bryan Mitchell and/or Jordan Lyles returning to the rotation, however, Cassavell has now reported that Lyles will stay in the bullpen. Erlin will make his first start since May 21st.

Erlin has been very dominant out of the bullpen this season. He was a sleeper name that we threw out last week as a player the Padres could look to deal at the deadline.

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The former starting pitcher is walking just 2.6% of hitters, is fully healthy again, and throws from the left side. My guess is that if Andy Green has penciled Erlin as Thursday’s starting pitcher, the odds of him being traded are very low. No reason to be mad at that. Erlin has proved his worth this season and is still only 27 years old.

The issue here is his numbers as a starting pitcher in 2018.  Erlin made his first start on April 16th against the Dodgers, giving up five earned runs on seven hits in three innings.

His next start came on May 21st against the Washington Nationals. He didn’t fare any better in that start, giving up six earned runs on seven hits in four innings, including two home runs. Two of his six walks on the year came as a starter.

While Mitchell is sure to make a return at some point, there’s no harm in giving Erlin a chance at a rotation spot, again. Matt Strahm is still being eased back and should fight for a rotation spot next season, until then, this is Erlin’s opportunity. The worst thing that could happen is that he falters, the Padres lose (again), and he goes back to the bullpen where he’s quietly been one of the more dominant arms in the National League.

Now, back to your trade deadline watch. Just a few more hours left!