Padres manager makes a bold statement about team's closer situation

The homer elevated Suarez's ERA to 3.16 on the season and 4.26 in 6.1 innings in September. 

With every game critical for the Padres as they entered Wednesday's series finale against Cincinnati 2.0 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West with 17 regular-season games to play, the recent numbers from Suarez aren't enough for Shildt to change anything in the closer role.

"Based on save percentage, and also just based on the fact he's been an All-Star the last two years," Shildt said when asked if considered moving Mason Miller into the closer role more in the season's final few games. "He's been a guy that's been really good for us, and he's been exceptionally good for us since the All-Star break and the trade deadline.

"He pitched the ninth last night, and it didn't work out. But he's also been a big part of the success we've had, leading the league in saves for a reason."

The 34-year-old Suarez has posted a National League-high 36 saves while finishing an NL-high 50 games heading into Wednesday. Miller, acquired from the Athletics at the trade deadline, has one save with San Diego after racking up 20 with his former team. His ERA over 15.1 innings with the Padres is 1.17 and he has struck out 29 batters over that span.

Being in the pennant race will always highlight any mistake made, but Suarez seems to still have the trust of his manager heading into the season's stretch run.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.