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Insider Provides Updates on Key Friar Players

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Padres
By Ricardo Sandoval | Last updated 6/25/23

The San Diego Padres are no stranger to injuries this season. We're almost halfway through the season, and they have already suffered through their fair share of injuries to some of their key players.

One of those players is their top reliever, who has yet to pitch in 2023, righty Robert Suarez. Suarez has missed 2023 thus far after developing some arm stiffness and right elbow inflammation around the middle of training camp.

He seems to be getting better each day, as Padres beat writer provided us with an update on Suarez and Friars catcher Luis Campusano.

-Robert Suarez threw another bullpen today, full bore, and he could face hitters imminently. Luis Campusano will catch a bullpen tomorrow. He's taking full swings. "Significant," Bob Melvin said.

Campusano has been dealing with a thumb injury and has yet to play since early May. He underwent surgery shortly after and is expected to be back after the All-Star break in mid-July.

As for Suarez, it's good to hear that he could face hitters soon. He last pitched in a meaningful game in the 2022 postseason against the Philadephia Phillies in the NLCS. Not only did he pitch, but he was the Friars' best reliever, and because of that, he earned a five-year worth $46 million in free agency. Thus far, that contract hasn't looked great, but he will be set to come back and pitch like how he was last October.

We can't wait to see these two guys come back for the Friars and help them make a playoff pitch.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Padres and was syndicated with permission.

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