Robert Suarez Open to Any Role in Padres' Bullpen
San Diego Padres pitcher Robert Suarez has an open mind when it comes to what his role will look like in the bullpen in 2024.
Rather than focusing on when he will be pitching and what spot in the pecking order he'll occupy, Suarez just wants to do well.
“I think my mentality is to just do a good job. It doesn’t really matter what inning. Whatever opportunity I get is to make the most of it.”
— Robert Suarez, via Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Padres head coach Mike Shildt spoke in a little more detail on Suarez and where he expects to fit in for the Padres this season.
“I mean, clearly he’s right there, right? I mean, this is a guy that’s, A, done it; B, has the stuff to do it, has the demeanor to do it. I know we (people) like to declare what that might look like, but obviously Robert has a legitimate chance of being in a lot of the back end of our games.”
— Mike Shildt, via Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune.
It appears that there's a strong chance Suarez will take on a closer role for the Padres, at least for parts of the season.
In 71 games with the Padres over the last two seasons, Suarez has a 9-4 record, 2.99 ERA, and 85 strikeouts in 75.1 innings. He's 1 for 7 in save opportunities.
Suarez still has to earn his role in spring training. He had some trouble staying on the field last season due to injuries as well as a suspension.
However, if Suarez can be consistent and play like he did when he was Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League saves leader for two seasons, Suarez should be an important piece for San Diego in 2024.
