Likely to work in relief Lamet is expected to open the season in the bullpen, though the Padres haven't officially decided on his role, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports. Impact Lamet mostly worked in relief last season with nine starts in 22 appearances, and he finished with a 4.40 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 57:22 K:BB across 47 innings. The right-hander was electric as a starter during 2020 with a 2.09 ERA and 93:20 K:BB in 12 starts, but he then had four stints on the injured list last season with elbow issues. A move to the bullpen could help keep Lamet healthy, and his stuff would play well as a closer. However, the 29-year-old, who rarely worked in relief prior to 2021, would need to get acclimated to regularly pitching out of the bullpen before taking on a high-leverage role, so he's unlikely to be a factor in the late innings until later in the season should the Friars opt to utilize him that way.
MARCH 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE