The San Diego Padres, like many others, are entering crunch time. As Opening Day marches ever closer, clubs are forced to send players to minor league camp, denying them potential roster spots.

These decisions are incredibly difficult and can affect the team’s season. This evening, the Padres made several announcements about their elite relief corps. And, although unlikely to greatly affect the bullpen depth, it’s worth giving the three pitchers a glance.

Daison Acosta

Daison Acosta was picked up on a one-year deal by General Manager A.J. Preller during the 2025 Winter Meetings. He had options remaining and could be sent down to the minors. The Padres announced Monday night they did just that, outrighting Acosta to the Minors.

San Diego noticed that the veteran minor leaguer put up great numbers in the last two seasons. Across three levels in the Washington Nationals’ minor-league system, Acosta put up a 2.53 ERA from 2024-25. 

He was signed as a depth piece for the already-deep bullpen. However, it’s unclear why San Diego outrighted him. It’s possible they were more certain he’d clear waivers than other players in camp.

Altogether, he has yet to appear in Cactus League play and will likely begin the season in Triple-A El Paso. The 27-year-old has yet to pitch at the big-league level.

Bryan Hoeing

The former Miami Marlins swingman was sent over to the Friars with Tanner Scott at the 2024 Trade Deadline. Hoeing dominated through the remainder of the season, putting up a 1.52 ERA in 18 appearances. 

Since then, Hoeing has been largely ineffective due to injury. Across 8.0 innings in 2025, he notched a 3.38 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. He spent some time in the minors in ‘25, getting knocked around for a 6.27 ERA in 18.2 innings. 

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Hoeing may undergo some form of elbow surgery. It remains uncertain how serious the surgery is or how long it will keep him out. Manager Craig Stammen suggests that the team will reach a decision soon. 

If Hoeing does require surgery, he could be out for at least a few months and would likely be unavailable until later this season.

Jason Adam

The same report from Acee notes that Adam is on schedule to return to the Padres by Opening Day. That has largely been his goal since the left quadriceps tendon rupture in September ‘25 that ended his season prematurely. 

Thankfully, Acee’s report makes it seem likely for that to be the case. Across 92 innings in San Diego, Adam has put up a ridiculous 1.66 ERA, being one of the most effective and consistent relievers in baseball. Adding to his resumé, Adam was one of three Padres relievers sent to the All-Star Game in ‘25 after putting up a 1.61 ERA. 

It seems that the club is close to letting him retake the mound, with the concern being more focused on fielding than pitching. It’s a similar case to Padres’ offseason addition Griffin Canning, who can pitch with ease but has difficulty fielding the ball.

Adam’s return by Opening Day would bring celebration in the San Diego clubhouse as it reclaims an elite piece of its relief corps.

 

Main Photo Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

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