San Diego Padres right-hander Alek Jacob (elbow) doesn't have any lingering health issues headed into spring training with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp this week, according to manager Mike Shildt. Jacob finished last season on the 60-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow but should be ready for the start of the 2024 campaign, barring any setbacks this spring. The 25-year-old made his major-league debut last year with three relief innings and didn't allow a hit or a run while walking one and striking out five. Jacob should eventually be back in San Diego, but it's likely that he'll open the regular season in the minor leagues to continue his development.
San Diego Padres rookie reliever Alek Jacob (elbow) first started feeling pain in his right elbow after exiting his outing against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 20. A day later, the discomfort re-emerged after warming up and the Padres put him on the injured list. Manager Bob Melvin said Jacob's absence might be an extended one, but the team doesn't expect him to need to go under the knife. The 25-year-old was diagnosed with a minor flexor strain and a minor UCL sprain. He'll be shut down from throwing for two to four weeks before starting a throwing program, so there's a chance that Jacob won't make it back to the big leagues in 2023. Jacob tossed three scoreless innings with a walk and five strikeouts before landing on the IL.
Alek Jacob
• RP
•
Padres
