Can the Padres Afford to Stick with Closer Robert Suarez?
Battle for MLB Playoff Berth Means Every Save Counts
With the MLB playoff race heating up, every save is crucial. The Padres are in the thick of the wild-card race, and they need their closer, Robert Suarez, to be at his best. But Suarez has struggled lately, blowing two saves in his last three appearances. So, can the Padres afford to stick with Suarez as their closer?
Suarez has been one of the best relievers in baseball this season. He has a 2.22 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, with 32 saves in 36 opportunities. However, he has struggled lately, allowing four runs in his last three appearances. This includes a blown save against the Dodgers on August 19th and another blown save against the Giants on August 22nd.
The Padres have a number of other options in their bullpen, including Emilio Pagan, Nick Martinez, and Craig Stammen. Pagan has been solid this season, with a 3.00 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Martinez has also been good, with a 3.45 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Stammen has been less effective, with a 4.50 ERA and 1.45 WHIP.
If the Padres decide to replace Suarez as their closer, they will need to find a reliable replacement. Pagan and Martinez are the most likely candidates, but both have their own flaws. Pagan has been known to be inconsistent, and Martinez has not been a closer since 2019.
The Padres are in a tough spot. They need to win every game they can to make the playoffs, but they cannot afford to give up any more saves. Suarez has been struggling lately, but he is still their best option as closer. The Padres will need to hope that Suarez can turn things around and help them reach the playoffs.
Pros of Sticking with Suarez
- Suarez has been one of the best relievers in baseball this season.
- He has a 2.22 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, with 32 saves in 36 opportunities.
- The Padres do not have a clear-cut replacement for Suarez.
Cons of Sticking with Suarez
- Suarez has struggled lately, blowing two saves in his last three appearances.
- The Padres are in the thick of the wild-card race and cannot afford to give up any more saves.
- The Padres have other options in their bullpen, including Emilio Pagan and Nick Martinez.
Conclusion
The Padres are in a tough spot. They need to win every game they can to make the playoffs, but they cannot afford to give up any more saves. Suarez has been struggling lately, but he is still their best option as closer. The Padres will need to hope that Suarez can turn things around and help them reach the playoffs.
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