Padres News: Unsung reliever finally gets All-Star nod, veteran ace returns to mound

Going into a new week, there is plenty for the San Diego Padres to celebrate. On top of taking down the Texas Rangers, 4-1 to secure the series win, the Friars will be sending right-handed relief man Jason Adam to the MLB All-Star Game for the first time in his career.

In a fitting series of firsts, veteran ace Yu Darvish is set to return to the team and pitch for the first time this season on Monday at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Adam, who logged his 20th hold of the season on Sunday in the victory over Texas, was incredibly thankful of his teammates. He even thought he didn't deserve the recognition. Well, on behalf of the entire Padres community, Jason, you did.

On top of his 20 holds, Adam has won six games this season, backed by a 1.61 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings. This is Adam's eighth season in his big league career, and his second with San Diego.

As a Padre, he owns a 1.39 ERA across two seasons, doing so in 71 1/3 frames. Adam holds a career 1.024 WHIP, and has displayed his elite value more so than ever in 2025. He comes into the new week riding a scoreless streak of six straight outings, which dates back to June 22.

Joining Adam at the All-Star Game as San Diego representatives will be Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.

The good news keeps on rolling, as 38-year-old Yu Darvish will toss in an MLB game for the first time since October 11, 2024. Darvish had been sidelined with shoulder inflammation all season, which caused the Padres to scramble for a last-minute filler in the starting rotation.

He seems ready to go now after throwing in a few simulated games against minor leaguers these past few weeks. A bullpen session this past weekend confirmed he was ready to contribute once again.

Darvish is in his fifth season with the Padres, and owns a 3.79 ERA in his time in San Diego.