The San Diego Padres have to be concerned about the state of their bullpen. Too many blown leads late in games as closer Robert Suarez cannot control the strike zone. Often, those mistakes resulted in a loss.

Right now, the Padres do not have much of a choice other than demoting Suarez and promoting Adrian Morejon to the closer role.

Suarez’s struggles in 2025

Suarez has recorded three blown saves in 37 appearances, as his ERA has ballooned to 3.89. Hardly the number you expect from one of baseball’s top closers. All is not well, as mistake pitches are coming more abundantly than normal for Suarez.

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Some may argue that those missed opportunities are a direct result of an overworked bullpen. But it is hard to overuse a closer, as they work one inning a night. The Padres will claim his velocity is good, but the opposition is putting good swings on him.

This season, there has been an uptick in the rate of hard-hit balls (43.8%) and line drives (28.9%) given up by Suarez. Both are career highs, as he has been hit the hardest over the last month. Suarez recorded a 7.84 ERA in June, but his performance numbers were alarming over the last two weeks. He has a 9.00 ERA and squandered several leads.

Suarez has struggled, leaving too many pitches over the plate that have resulted in extra-base hits. It is a trend that needs to be addressed, or the season will be lost.

Morejon blossomed into a key bullpen piece

Morejon has blossomed into a key setup reliever out of the bullpen. The left-hander is on the mound in crucial moments during an eventual win. His role could expand if Suarez continues to struggle as the closer.

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No fan should be surprised by his ability to adapt. He has gone from being a top international free agent signee to rehabbing from Tommy John surgery to becoming a dominant force in the bullpen.

Morejon has a 1.96 ERA in 40 appearances and has held opponents to a .179 batting average. His velocity generates more swing-and-misses and fewer pitches being fouled off. Morejon has struck out 22.9% of the batters faced this season.

It is time for Morejon to get his first taste of being a closer. The switch will provide a much-needed boost to the team.

It is crucial to stabilize the bullpen. All the adversity that has taken place in his professional career has prepared Morejon for this moment. The time is right for the Padres to make the move.

If you have an opinion on Suarez, head over to our poll for the week to cast your vote!

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