3 under-the-radar pitchers making noise in Padres' spring training

The Padres' roster has plenty of star power. It's easy to get caught up in the headline players, especially among San Diego's pitching staff. Dylan Cease, Michael King, Yu Darvish, and now, even Nick Pivetta are pitchers who have deservingly taken the spotlight, and will continue to do so.

Although those players have earned their flowers, let's not forget about the rest of the staff that is doing well so far in spring training. In particular, Jason Adam, Stephen Kolek, and Adrian Morejon are three unheralded arms who are all pitching incredibly well early this spring.

Jason Adam

Jason Adam may just be the most underrated pitcher in Major League Baseball. Since 2022, these are his ERAs over the last three seasons, in order: 1.56, 2.98, 1.95.

For some reason, this guy gets forgotten about far too often. When he was traded to San Diego last year, Adam gave up just three earned runs in 26 2/3 frames as a Padre. If Robert Suarez winds up getting traded, Padres fans are looking at their next closer right here. Or at least, Adam deserves to be the next closer.

This spring, Adam has been perfect through four innings. He's fired three strikeouts and has not allowed a single run, hit, nor walk. Somewhat of a career journeyman, the 33-year-old seems to be quite comfortable with the Padres.

Stephen Kolek

Stephen Kolek may just be the king of Padres spring training. Last year, the right-hander had a 0.00 ERA6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts and three holds. This spring, Kolek once again has yet to allow a run. Through five innings, which include one start and one relief appearance, he has held the opposition scoreless behind three punch-outs.

There is one spot open in the Padres starting rotation. Kolek, 27, may have an outside shot of securing the position, but it may be difficult for San Diego to ignore another strong spring from Kolek.

Adrian Morejon

Last season, Morejon had a breakout campaign. In 60 appearances, he held a 10.0 K/9 with a 2.83 ERA. The left-hander especially had a strong September, and now, he is building off of that success.

On top of adding a new pitch to his arsenal, Morejon has yet to allow a run in spring training. Across five innings, he has scattered two hits, no walks, and has struck out two batters as he tinkers with throwing a cutter.