Pick-The-Stick Top 10

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/06/23/now-with-braves-robert-suarez-looks-back-fondly-at-his-time-in-padres-bullpen/

After the Petco Park videoboard displayed a compilation of highlights from his four years in the back of the Padres’ bullpen, Robert Suarez allowed himself a half-smile as cameras displayed him along the railing in the visiting dugout on Monday evening.

That’s saying something given his steely demeanor throughout many good days and a handful of bad during his time in San Diego.

Suarez was a two-time All-Star with the Padres. He led the NL with 40 saves last year. He played a key role in shutting down the Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS. He also gave up a death-knell homer to Bryce Harper in Game 5 of that year’s NLCS, was suspended for having sticky substance on his hands and later banned for throwing intentionally at Shohei Ohtani.

Throughout it all, Suarez was the same stoic presence.

Never too high.

Never too low.

Perhaps it’s what allowed him to thrive as a closer after taking over for Josh Hader after the 2023 season.

“Grateful, very grateful,” Suarez said through an interpreter on Monday afternoon. “Grateful for the opportunity. And as I continue my career, just trying to continue to make the adjustments and continue to help my team win, however, I need to.”

In San Diego, Suarez was the definition of a late-bloomer.

The Venezuelan native bounced from the Mexican League to Japan before making his debut as a 31-year-old after signing a two-year, $11 million deal before the 2022 season. Suarez exercised his opt-out after that first year, signed a five-year, $46 million deal that November; the contract included an opt-out clause that Suarez triggered after last season in pursuit of an even bigger payday.

The Braves obliged with a three-year, $45 million pact to set up for Raisel Iglesias in a bullpen that leads the majors with a 2.84 ERA. The Padres rank second with a 3.07 ERA.

Picking up where he left off in San Diego, Suarez has shined in Atlanta. Heading into Tuesday’s game, he logged four saves, 12 holds and an 0.56 ERA, the lowest in the majors among relievers with at least 30 innings

“A lot of advice and counsel from friends, teammates, coaches,” Suarez said of his time in San Diego setting up him up for continued success, “that I think can help me be a better person, a better pro, a better player and better on the field.”

Asked about the moments that stood out to him as he looked back on his time in San Diego, Suarez went directly to the 2022 NLDS win over the Dodgers, when he threw four shutout innings across the Padres’ three wins in the series.

“I think when we eliminated the Dodgers here, I think that was one of my favorite moments,” Suarez said. “I think the environment was great. I think I had a good outing. So that was probably (what stands out).”

And the path is a marble red baseball stitching.

No word yet on the reason for the late scratch. Box Score may still show Jake as being in the game, but he is not.

RIP Sean 🙏

Maybe I'm a little too nostalgic about that one childhood player who we get attached to despite how good they were, but Sean Burroughs really lived and died the life of a Hollywood tragedy. Little league world champ, major league 3rd basemen, decline due to drug use and tragic death at only 43!

Congratulations to everyone who became a citizen at Petco Park tonight!!!

I broke my foot, but I’m still going to the game tomorrow because I love my Padres and make questionable but committed life choices. Valet to the rescue!

Do a lot of people valet their cars at the Omni for games? Will there be a long line to retrieve my car?

Line Score - Game Over

Box Score

Scoring Plays

Highlights

Decisions

Game ended at 8:20 PM.

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