2 Padres who've exceeded expectations through 50 games and 2 who've fallen short

Padres pitcher Nick Martinez has exceeded expectations

Nick Martinez opened the season in the Padres rotation and had three really solid starts mixed in with a poor one. Overall, he had a 4.01 ERA through four starts which was capped with seven shutout innings in a 1-0 win against the Braves. With Joe Musgrove returning, Martinez was bumped from the rotation and has shined in the bullpen ever since.

Martinez has settled into a high-leverage role alongside Steven Wilson setting up for Josh Hader, and has done an unbelievable job.

Martinez has made 13 appearances and has allowed five runs (three earned) in 20 innings of work. He's struck out 20 batters while walking only four, and has held the opposition to a .535 OPS.

Martinez provides versatility to the Padres bullpen as a guy who can get both lefties and righties out, and as a guy who can go multiple innings. He's recorded six or more outs five times in relief already including a six-out save with five strikeouts against the Giants.

Martinez was solid as a starter and has been exceptional as a reliever. Knowing the Padres have a guy who can excel in both areas is awesome, and Martinez has played a huge role in some wins the Padres have had.