Watch out, Cal Ripken. The San Diego Padres have their own version of an “iron man”. Though he goes under the radar in most cases, Brad Hand has personified persistence and consistency throughout his tenure with the San Diego Padres.
Last season, Hand led the National League with 82 appearances, encompassing 89 and 1/3 total innings. This season, he is continuing this pace, already appearing in 31 games.
Coupled with a this substantial amount of appearances is a consistency which is hard to find. Hand’s ERA since coming to San Diego has been the lowest of his career, dating back to 2011 when he made his major league debut with the Marlins.