“Funky Lefty Alert: Luis Patino Joins Padres’ minors in Thrilling Comeback Pitch”
**Padres Re-Sign Luis Patiño: A Second Chance for the Talented Right-Hander**
In a surprising move, the San Diego Padres have re-signed minor league contract with right-hander Luis Patiño, reports MLB.com’s trade log. The 25-year-old had undergone Tommy John surgery in April and missed the entire 2022 season.
Patiño’s journey back to the mound is not expected to be easy. With his surgery timing, he won’t be game-ready until at least the middle of next season. However, he will be able to work out at various minor league levels before heading to Triple-A El Paso. The Colombian-born right-hander had a 5.12 ERA in 123 Triple-A games before making his MLB debut with the Padres in 2019.
Despite his potential, Patiño has struggled to find sustained success in the major leagues and at the Triple-A level. In 136 1/3 major league innings, he has a 5.02 ERA, striking out 20.2% of opponents while issuing a walk to 11.4% of them.
However, Patiño’s talent was once considered one of the most impressive in the game. He was part of a package deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Blake Snell, widely regarded as one of the best pitchers in the game. Patiño has bounced around, playing parts of four MLB seasons with the Padres, Rays, and White Sox.
The Padres’ decision to re-sign Patiño might raise eyebrows, given his current status and salary. His projected arbitration salary is only slightly higher than the MLB minimum salary of $600,000. Nonetheless, the team has decided to give him a second chance.
**What This Means for the Padres**
With Patiño’s return, the Padres now have a unique situation on their hands. Given his expected rehabilitation timeline, Patiño will need to work his way back to the major leagues. If he does, the Padres will be forced to make a decision. They can either keep him in the majors or put him on waivers, leaving his future in the team’s hands.
In the meantime, Patiño will need to work on regaining his strength and control on the mound. His experience will be invaluable to the team, and he may be able to provide depth and support in the bullpen.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
1. Why did the Padres re-sign Luis Patiño?
The Padres likely saw potential in Patiño’s talent and wanted to give him a second chance. They also didn’t want to give up on the investment they had made in him.
2. How long will it take Patiño to recover from Tommy John surgery?
Patiño’s recovery is expected to take at least six months, and he may not be game-ready until the middle of next season.
3. What are the Padres’ expectations for Patiño’s performance?
The Padres will likely approach Patiño’s rehabilitation with caution. If he is able to regain his form, they may use him as a depth option in the bullpen.
**Conclusion**
Luis Patiño’s second chance with the Padres is a testament to the team’s commitment to their prospects. Despite his struggles, Patiño still has the potential to make a significant impact in the major leagues. With a long rehabilitation ahead of him, the Padres will be closely monitoring his progress, hoping that he can regain his form and provide depth to the team’s bullpen.
