PEORIA, Ariz. — The Padres bullpen entered Friday’s matchup against San Francisco second-to-last in the majors with a springtime ERA of 6.08. Cactus League statistics almost always become afterthoughts come April, but for a largely unproven relief corps, they have been further cause for concern.
Of course, the loss of veterans Craig Kimbrel, Joaquin Benoit and Shawn Kelley has meant opportunity for a host of arms. The setting has made a big fastball stand out even more.
With an average four-seam velocity of 96 mph, Jose Dominguez, a 6-foot right-hander, has inspired plenty of conversation between Padres manager Andy Green and pitching coach Darren Balsley.