SAN DIEGO -- The back end of the Padres’ bullpen will be well represented in Atlanta.
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Two days after setup man Jason Adam was named to the National League bullpen at the All-Star Game, Padres closer Robert Suarez was also added to the roster as a replacement for injured Braves lefty Chris Sale.
Suarez is tied for the Major League lead with 25 saves. He’s posted a 3.82 ERA this season, but his 2.34 FIP suggests he’s been much better than that number would indicate. Suarez has punched out 40 hitters while walking just 12 across 37 2/3 innings.
It’s a second consecutive trip to the All-Star Game for Suarez, who will be joined in Atlanta by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado in addition to Adam. At the Midsummer Classic last year, Suarez punched out both hitters he faced.
“Just look around at our bullpen,” Adam said Sunday after earning the selection. “It’s stacked with guys that could and should be getting this nod. And maybe they still will. They deserve it.”
Manager Mike Shildt went so far as to say that he felt there were four worthy All-Stars at the back end of his bullpen, including lefty Adrian Morejon and righty Jeremiah Estrada. He called that quartet “The Four Horsemen.”
Suarez could become the first Padre to pitch in consecutive All-Star Games since Brad Hand did so during the 2017 and ‘18 seasons. He also has a chance to become the first Padre to record an All-Star save since Goose Gossage in 1984.
It’s the first time the Padres have sent multiple pitchers to the All-Star Game since Yu Darvish and Mark Melancon in 2021. It’s also the first time in franchise history they’ve sent two relievers. That makes sense on some level, given that, historically, it’s been mostly closers who earn All-Star recognition.
But the Padres have had some remarkable setup/closer duos through the years and none had ever reached the same Midsummer Classic.
Until this year.