Nick Martinez On Paternity List, Michel Baez Recalled
The San Diego Padres recalled right-hander Michel Baez from Triple-A El Paso on Friday after they placed right-hander Nick Martinez on the paternity list. The San Diego bullpen is in flux as they recently demoted left-hander Taylor Rogers from the closer's role. Manager Bob Melvin is expected to go with a committee approach when it comes to save chances moving forward, at least until someone emerges from the group. Baez could be part of the group that receives chances to close out games, making him worth a look in deeper, NL-only formats for fantasy managers looking for saves. However, the best bet is that some combination of Luis Garcia, Adrian Morejon and Nabil Crismatt will get a shot.
San Diego Padres reliever Michel Baez (elbow) will undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the 2021 season. The surprise announcement came as the Friars revealed relievers Ryan Weathers and Nabil Crismatt will crack the Opening Day roster. A former prospect, Baez made a strong debut in 2019 with a 3.03 ERA over 24 appearances, but was limited to just 4 frames last season. The 25-year-old righty will rehab and make his comeback attempt around the 2022 All-Star break. With the devastating injury and delay in development, Baez' playing ceiling is likely in relief and he should be discounted accordingly in dynasty leagues.
Adrian Morejon, Michel Baez Surprising Roster Cuts
San Diego Padres pitchers Adrian Morejon and Michel Baez were surprisingly left off the Opening Day roster. Both prospects debuted in 2019 and were expected to fill middle relief roles this season, but neither showed enough in camp to stick. Morejon also projects as a starter so his demotion is likely tied to a longer-term development plan. As the teams No. 7 prospect, the 21-year-old Morejon has electric stuff but struggles with command. The 24-year-old Baez (No. 9) is more polished and pitched well in 29 2/3 big league innings in 2019 with a 3.03 ERA. Hes a probable call-up as injuries accumulate. Both players should impact the roster in 2020 but neither are worthy fantasy pieces outside of dynasty leagues.
San Diego Padres pitcher Michel Baez is building up as a starter this spring training. Amongst a crowded group, Baez is likely seventh in line for the rotation behind Cal Quantrill, but the Friars believe he fits the bill. The 24-year-old prospect debuted in 2019 to a 3.03 ERA (4.36 FIP) and 8.5 K/9 in 29 2/3 innings. Utilized as a reliever, Baez capitalized on his strong fastball-changeup combination but recognizes the need to develop a third pitch. After working on a slider this winter, hes ready to prove himself. Baez is fine with a potential relief role, but its conceivable hell draw a few starts if the Padres stretch out their rotation this season. With an ADP of 747, Baez is a deep-league options to anchor strikeouts and ratios, but hes still a way off from universal fantasy relevance.
San Diego Padres reliever Michel Baez recorded a scoreless inning in his major league debut Tuesday. Baez limited the New York Mets to a single in his middle-relief appearance to kick off his career. The Padres No. 5 prospect and No. 70 in baseball was recently promoted from Double-A where he registered a 2.00 ERA and 12.7 K/9. The 23-year-old Cuban is a large man, checking in at 68 and 220 pounds. Clocked at 99 MPH on Tuesday, Baez profiles as a potential late-inning specialist or mid-rotation starter depending on his development. Working in relief for 2019, Baez holds minimal redraft value but is someone to surely watch in dynasty.
San Diego Padres pitcher Michel Baez had his contract purchased by the organization on Sunday. Baez is one of the top ranked prospects in the Padres' farm system right now. He has a 2.00 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 27 innings in the minors this season. He's been pitching in relief all season. He could end up as a strong late inning option for the Padres. The team may ease him into action, but he could be the closer in San Diego soon. Fantasy owners should keep an eye on him.
