The San Diego Padres have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the 2025 MLB season, as two key bullpen arms have officially been ruled out for Opening Day. In what is shaping up to be a tough start for first-year manager Mike Shildt, the Padres now face early pitching concerns that could impact their ability to compete in a highly competitive NL West.
The Padres were hoping to enter the season with a full-strength bullpen, but injuries have derailed those plans. While the team has not disclosed exact return timelines, sources confirm that both relievers are dealing with lingering injuries that will force them to miss the start of the season.
Shildt, who took over the managerial role after Bob Melvin’s departure, now faces an immediate challenge in adjusting the bullpen strategy to compensate for the losses.
With two key relievers out, the Padres will have to shuffle their bullpen roles, likely relying on younger arms or unproven pitchers in high-leverage situations. The lack of bullpen depth could also put additional pressure on the Padres’ starting rotation, which already carries question marks heading into the season.
Despite the tough news, Shildt remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for other pitchers to step up and fill the void.
“It’s not the news we wanted, but it’s part of the game. We trust the guys we have, and this is an opportunity for some of them to prove themselves in big moments,” Shildt said.
The Padres will need to navigate the early-season bullpen struggles carefully, especially in a division that features powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. If the injuries linger, San Diego’s front office may have to explore external options to reinforce the bullpen.
With Opening Day approaching, all eyes will be on how the Padres adjust to these early challenges and whether their bullpen can weather the storm until reinforcements arrive.
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