What Sean Reynolds and Bryan Hoeing’s injuries mean to the Padres’ bullpen dynamics
Injuries may force the Padres to shuffle the order of their bullpen
Spring training is in full swing, but the San Diego Padres are already facing injuries that could cause a shuffle to the bullpen order.
Sean Reynolds is suffering from a stress reaction in his right foot that requires him to wear a walking boot for the next 10 days. Bryan Hoeing has a sore right shoulder that forced the Padres to shut down his throwing routine. Both injuries cast doubt on the Friars 2025 season plans.
Reynolds’s injury dampens his Opening Day roster opportunity
At the start of last season, Reynolds showed an electric pitching repertoire coming out of the pen for the El Paso Chihuahuas. He consistently threw in the high 90s, but the young reliever had trouble throwing strikes. The Padres front office was impressed with his development. The roster needed an arm in the pen, so the rookie was called up to the majors.
In nine appearances, Reynolds recorded a 0.82 ERA as he struck out 21 batters in 11 innings pitched. Gradually, Reynolds was moving up the bullpen order, but a knee injury prematurely ended his 2024 season.
The Miami Marlins selected the second-year reliever in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft. The Friars acquired him with Garrett Cooper for Ryan Weathers in a 2023 trade deadline deal.
Reynolds had a good shot of making the team coming out of spring training. With minor league options available, the Friars envisioned him as the reliever who would get rewarded with frequent flyer mileage by traveling back and forth from El Paso this season. He would have been sent to Triple-A when the bullpen needed a fresh arm. Now, experienced relievers like Tom Cosgrove, Alek Jacob, or Rob Marinaccio will compete for a permanent middle relief role in the bullpen.
No timetable for his return. The latest setback has caused the Friars to be cautious with Reynolds’ rehab.
Hoeing’s pitching role unclear
Hoeing was an unsung hero during the Padres run to the postseason. After being acquired in the Tanner Scott trade deadline deal with the Marlins, he posted a 1.52 ERA in 18 appearances. Hoeing showed his value by throwing multiple innings after a starter was knocked early in a game.
Padres manager Mike Shildt praised him for shutting down the opposition and keeping the contest within striking distance. It put the Friars in a position to win the game with a late inning rally.
Hoeing was experiencing shoulder discomfort early in camp as the Padres training staff shut down his throwing sessions. Subsequent imaging showed no structural damage in his right shoulder.
Team doctors suggested rest as the right course for recovery. Earlier this week, Hoeing was allowed to begin a light-throwing program. He could be ready by Opening Day if no setbacks occur in his rehab.
It was not the first time Hoeing had dealt with an injury that limited his availability. He suffered a left hamstring strain with the Marlins last season.
No question, Hoeing was a candidate for the fifth starter role in the rotation. Unfortunately, an injury has put those plans on hold. The Padres are hoping his shoulder issues are behind him. Hoeing may offer greater value as the long man coming out of the bullpen. His production is hard to duplicate.
