Padres High-Leverage Arm Throwing Again

 

Padres pitcher Pierce Johnson has completed three bullpen sessions and is close to facing live hitters. 

The thirty-one year old is ready to take the next step in his rehab as he continues to work his way back after suffering right elbow tendinitis in late April. Johnson figures to return to the Padres bullpen sometime later this month or in early August.

Padres expected to return from the IL by or before early August👇🏼👇🏼

Fernando Tatis Jr.
Jurickson Profar
Wil Myers
Drew Pomeranz
Pierce Johnson
Robert Suarez
Steven Wilson

Reinforcements are desperately needed, but they are on the way.

— Friar Talk (@padrespod) July 15, 2022

Johnson entered the season as the Padres' primary setup man. He's only managed to throw six innings this season, however, posting a 4.50 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, and a strong 11 strikeouts. 

Last season, Johnson was a very solid bullpen arm, throwing a 3.22 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 77 strikeouts in 58 innings. He also recorded three wins. 

Look for Johnson to return to his dominant setup role when he returns, fully healthy, to the Padres' bullpen sometime within the next month.

The injury-plagued Padres have somehow made it work this season, holding a 52-42 record, putting them in the second NL Wild Card spot with a two-game lead on the Phillies.

The team will be getting some core players back within the next month.

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports