In a move that was largely expected by all parties involved, the San Diego Padres have decided to use Bryan Mitchell primarily as a relief pitcher moving forward.
Originally believed to be the centerpiece of the return in the trade that also brought Chase Headley back to San Diego in exchange for outfielder Jabari Blash, the 27-year-old right-hander simply hasn’t been effective.
In seven starts this season, Mitchell has a 6.47 earned-run average with a paltry 58 ERA+. His FIP is even higher than his ERA at 6.72. Mitchell has walked an astounding 26 batters in 32 innings of work, striking out 16 and owning a 2.