The Padres’ new-look bullpen to start the second half includes a familiar piece: Matt Strahm.
The 27-year-old left-hander is returning to a relief role as the Padres look to shore up arguably their biggest weakness, the bridge to closer Kirby Yates.
Getting left-handers out, in particular, had been an issue since attempting to transition Strahm into a full-time starter, although it did not help losing both Jose Castillo and Aaron Loup to injuries this season.
Opposing left-handed hitters have a .273 batting average against Padres relievers, the sixth-highest in the majors.