The Padres could be getting back a key reliever in time for the 2023 season. Padres lefty reliever Drew Pomeranz will see a major league field this season; the only question is, when? The team is optimistic, including Padres manager Bob Melvin, who says he hopes to see his reliever out there and ready to go.
On Friday, Melvin confirmed that the pitcher is behind but still has time to catch up to the pack.
Pomeranz suffered from flexor tendon surgery in his forearm over the summer of 2021. Due to setbacks, the lefty didn’t pitch in 2022, but barring any other setbacks, we will see the 34-year-old on the Opening Day roster.
Drew has been with San Diego since 2020, and when healthy, he was one of their better relievers.
Pomeranz was a one-time Padre in 2016 and returned to the team in 2020. In three seasons in Southern California, he has a 10-7 record with a 2.21 ERA, 174 strikeouts, a 1.06 WHIP, and only allowed 11 home runs in over 146 innings pitched.
Before suffering the forearm injury, Drew was lights out with the Friars; he had a 1-0 record, a 1.75 ERA, 30 strikeouts, and a 1.13 WHIP while allowing two home runs and five earned runs in 25.2 innings pitched.
San Diego may not have a ton of weaknesses from top to bottom, but if you want to nit-pick, the bullpen isn’t their greatest strong suit. However, Pomeranz could give them some help if he stays healthy.
Melvin expressed Drew would be ready for the season even with limitations to begin Spring Training.
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