Padres Bolster Bullpen: Eduarniel Núñez Called Up for Doubleheader
Breaking News: The San Diego padres are set to call up right-handed reliever Eduarniel Núñez from Triple-A El Paso ahead of their doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 3, 2025. To make room for Núñez, right-hander Matt Waldron will be optioned to Triple-A Minor League Baseball.
Núñez’s Path to the Majors
This marks the first Major League call-up for the 26-year-old Núñez, a former Chicago Cubs prospect who signed with the Padres as a minor league free agent last offseason. Núñez has spent the majority of the 2025 season with the double-A San Antonio Missions, posting a 3.57 ERA over 22 2/3 innings. His performance earned him a promotion to Triple-A El Paso in mid-June, where he continued to impress with 7 1/3 scoreless innings and 11 strikeouts.
Did You Know? Núñez’s fastball has been clocked at over 99 mph as his promotion to Triple-A.
Dominant Minor League Performance
Across 30 innings in double-A and Triple-A, Núñez has compiled a 2.70 ERA with an impressive 41.9% strikeout rate. Scouts have lauded his “elite swing-and-miss ability,” attributing it to his high-octane fastball and upper-80s breaking ball. FanGraphs ranked Núñez as the Padres’ #32 prospect, highlighting his plus or better grades on both his fastball and breaking ball.
Núñez Minor League Stats (2025)
| Level | ERA | Innings Pitched | strikeout % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-A | 3.57 | 22.67 | >40% |
| Triple-A | 0.00 | 7.33 | High |
| Combined | 2.70 | 30 | 41.9% |
Control Issues and Potential Role
Despite his impressive stuff, Núñez’s journey to the majors has been delayed by control issues. He has walked nearly 15% of batters faced in his professional career. However, he has shown improvement in 2025, reducing his walk rate to a more manageable 12%. Padres manager Mike Shildt will likely use Núñez as a volatile but intriguing middle-innings option.
The Padres needed to add Núñez to their 40-man roster. A spot opened up after designating Logan Gillaspie for assignment yesterday.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Núñez’s walk rate.If he can consistently limit free passes, he has the potential to become a valuable asset in the Padres’ bullpen.
Waldron Optioned to Triple-A
In a corresponding move, Matt Waldron has been optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Waldron could return to the Padres later in the season, especially with the ability to recall another player as the 27th man for the doubleheader.
evergreen insights: The Value of Bullpen Depth
In modern baseball, a strong and deep bullpen is crucial for success. Relievers like Eduarniel Núñez, with their ability to generate strikeouts and pitch in high-leverage situations, can be the difference between winning and losing close games. Teams often cycle thru relievers throughout the season due to injuries, performance issues, and workload management, making depth a key asset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eduarniel Núñez and the Padres’ Bullpen
- Why are the Padres calling up Eduarniel Núñez?
- The Padres are calling up Eduarniel Núñez to bolster their bullpen for the doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies. His impressive strikeout rate and high-velocity fastball make him an intriguing option for middle relief.
- What are Eduarniel Núñez’s stats in the minor leagues this season?
- In 30 combined innings between Double-A and Triple-A, Eduarniel Núñez has posted a 2.70 ERA with a 41.9% strikeout percentage. He has demonstrated elite swing-and-miss ability.
- What is Matt waldron’s role with the Padres?
- Matt Waldron is being optioned to Triple-A to make room for Núñez on the roster. He may be recalled later in the season as needed.
- What challenges does Eduarniel Núñez face as he joins the Padres?
- Núñez’s primary challenge is his control. He has struggled with walks throughout his minor league career, although he has shown some improvement in that area this season.
- How fast does Eduarniel Núñez throw?
- Eduarniel Núñez has been averaging over 99 MPH on his fastball as being promoted to Triple-A El Paso, making him a high-velocity pitching option for the Padres.
- What is a doubleheader in baseball?
- A doubleheader in baseball is when two games are played between the same two teams on the same day. This often happens to make up for previously postponed games.
What are your expectations for Eduarniel Núñez’s MLB debut? Will his high-velocity fastball translate to success at the highest level?
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