Padres News: Friars Call up Top Pitching Prospect to Make MLB Debut

The San Diego Padres are set to make a roster move, and it's one that will give another pitching prospect his first chance in the big leagues.

The Friars called up Jackson Wolf this week on the heels of an impressive campaign for Double-A San Antonio.

He's put up a 3.39 ERA for the Missions this season, including a five-inning, six strikeout performance in his last outing on July 15.

That said, there is a bit of mystery as to what Wolf's role will be, but the team does "anticipate him" pitching on Saturday, according to Padres beat writer AJ Cassavell.

Bob Melvin wouldn’t fully commit to Wolf as tomorrow’s starter. But the Padres are calling him up and anticipate him pitching tomorrow. https://t.co/k1OeoqsnAp
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) July 21, 2023

It's the culmination of a quick rise for Wolf in 2023 as he's pitched less than a full season in Double-A, but the former fourth round pick should be up to the challenge of pitching in the bigs.

As for how Wolf profiles, he pitches against the current trends of today's game.

He doesn't have high velocity, with a fastball that ranges from the high 80s to the low 90s, but it's his advanced breaking balls where he's really made a name for himself professionally.

He has a 12-to-6 curveball and a slider with a lot of movement, and that's helped him miss bats to the tune of an 11 strikeout per nine inning ratio.

Additionally, Wolf throws from a low arm slot which could come serve him well when he makes his debut.

As aforementioned, his exact role for Saturday isn't clear, but he's pitched as a starter exclusively this season and Padres' starter is still listed as to be determined, so the 24 year old could make his first MLB start this weekend against the Detroit Tigers.

We'll see what happens this Saturday, but both Wolf and the Padres will hope that his MLB career begins on a good note.