San Diego Padres opponents can put ice packs down for now
It is difficult to receive notice as a middle reliever. Unless one is either truly dominant or a complete disaster whenever they take the mound, middle relievers only generate notice if they cause a game to get out of hand. However, that was not the case with San Diego Padres reliever Austin Adams in 2021.
Adams achieved plenty of notoriety for giving the opposition plenty of bruises. He plunked 24 batters in just 52.2 innings last year, six more than the second place Joe Musgrove despite throwing approximately 129 fewer innings. Padres’ opponents needed icepacks by the case.
Austin Adams could have extended absence for San Diego Padres
Those icepacks may not be needed as frequently. Adams has been shut down for at least six weeks with a strained forearm. He is likely to receive a platelet-rich plasma injection in hopes that he can heal and avoid surgery.
When Adams was not turning the baseball into a heat seeking missle for the opponent, he was an effective arm in the Padres’ bullpen. He posted a 4.10 ERA and a 1.196 WHiP last season, striking out 76 batters with 35 walks. Adams did an impressive job of keeping the ball in the park, allowing just one homer last year.
San Diego was certainly hoping for more of the same. He had hit just two other batters in his career, making the 2021 season a likely anomaly despite his lapses of command. Adams had been a strong strikeout arm and has allowed just six career homers, making him someone that could have made an impact in those middle innings.
It is possible that will happen again this year. If the injection works and he is able to begin healing, it is possible Adams could return later in the year. The Padres could get those uncomfortable at bats once again. And those icepacks may not be on the shelf for long.
Next. Padres have reshaped their lineup. dark
Austin Adams is being shut down by the San Diego Padres for at least six weeks. The ice packs in the opposing clubhouse can breathe a sigh of relief.