Is it time to give Robert Stock another chance?

A few days ago, the Padres recalled Gerardo Reyes from AAA El Paso. He pitched in the 9th inning of a 4-1 loss to the Nationals. Nothing to report, Reyes worked quickly and didn’t allow a hit in the low pressure situation.

Other than that, Reyes has been atrocious at the big league level. No offense, I’m sure he’s a great guy but that’s why he gets paid the big bucks. He hasn’t pitched well in multiple stints with the team.

The team is desperate for bullpen help right now. If Andy Green chooses to continue with the bullpen game strategy (it worked that one time so you know, like, it works) we’re perpetually going to be in a cycle of overworked and under performing arms.

Since May 1st, the Padres bullpen have a 5.15 ERA. That’s good for 5th worst in the Major Leagues. We’re not sitting here complaining about something that doesn’t exist. The situation is getting worse, so what do we do next?

Robert Stock was one of the best relief pitchers on the team last year. After a shaky start, he finished the year with a 2.50 ERA in 39.2 innings pitched. He only had 13 walks. In 7 outings early this year, Stock was erratic. He was sent down on April 13th and hasn’t been back up since. It was a quick fall from grace for someone that was supposed to be a staple in the 6th or 7th inning. So, how’s he been doing in AAA?

In 19.1 innings Stock has a 2.79 ERA. He’s only walked 1 batter over his last 6 outings. He’s still prone to be wild at times, but certainly every bit of the pitcher that excelled in the bigs last year. It’s strange to see him in the minors for 2 months while the bullpen performs worse than it has in well over a decade.

Maybe Stock is the answer, maybe he isn’t. The team needs to aggressively look for help in this area. As excited as fans are to see a .500 ball club, it’s obvious they could be a 40 win team if it weren’t for blowing so many leads in the middle innings.

Padre fans have been patient for a long, long time. It’s OK for us to demand more. The ownership group made it abundantly clear that they want us to hold them accountable. The reality is this team will only go as far as the bullpen allows.

What do you think Padre fans? What’s the answer?