When Jason Adam went down with a right shoulder strain, it left the Friar Faithful wondering what else could go wrong for the San Diego Padres. No team can afford to lose a key setup reliever and expect to play winning baseball.
Everyone began speculating about the team’s next move to replace a valuable member in the bullpen. The Padres did not turn to a veteran reliever; instead, they called up Bradgley Rodriguez. He provided early-season depth options for a team with issues in its starting rotation.
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Rodriguez was an early-season success
Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove open the season on the Injured List. It was apparent the team’s rotation depth would be challenged in 2026. The back end of the bullpen would play a role in bridging the gap between a starting pitcher’s struggles to preserve a lead and the use of baseball’s premier relievers.
Rodriguez was ticketed for this bullpen role after having an outstanding spring training. Quickly, he showed his versatility, as Rodriguez was used as an opener on a bulk-pitching day. Also, he opened some eyes by throwing multiple innings to limit the damage after another poor start from the rotation.
However, the organization viewed Rodriguez as an option for an expanded bullpen role. They sent him back to Triple-A to become a complete pitcher.
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Rediscovering his pitching repertoire
Rodriguez worked on finding a good mix among his changeup, heavy sinker, and four-seamer. It has allowed him to rediscover his entire pitching repertoire. He posted a 3.14 ERA across 14.1 innings pitched in 15 appearances before his promotion back to the majors.
He throws his changeup at 41.4%, his sinker at 26.8%, and the four-seamer at 23.2%. His repertoire keeps the hitters guessing, as Rodriguez throws his changeup in the low 90s. Often, they’re looking for a four-seamer coming in the high 90s. Instead, they hit on top of the ball for a groundout.
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Rodriguez has done an excellent job of avoiding hard contact in his rookie season. He has given up only one home run in 39.0 innings pitched, as his hard-hit percentage (30.6%) is well below the league average (40.4%) this season. Opposing teams are hitting .202 against him.
Rodriguez has gained Stammen’s trust
Since his call-up, Padres manager Craig Stammen began using Rodriguez in the middle innings before bringing him in the seventh inning with multiple runners on base. He passed those high-leverage situations with flying colors. It won’t be long before Stammen uses Rodriguez in the setup role for closer Mason Miller.
The lone question remaining is whether his performance level is sustainable. Rodriguez is a rookie who has registered 39.0 innings pitched this season. His career minor league high mark is 46.2 innings pitched, so the Friars will need to monitor his usage in the second half.
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However, no one will complain if he continues to have strong outings.
In an otherwise forgettable season, the emergence of Rodriguez as a quality setup reliever could be the highlight of the 2026 campaign.
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