The 2026 season has been very frustrating for San Diego Padres set-up reliever Jason Adam.
He was exceptional in the late-inning role before handing the ball off to Padres closer Mason Miller. Unfortunately, this partnership was short-lived, as Adam has been out since early July with a right shoulder strain.
Catching Up: Adam’s Blueprint for Lost Time
The Friars and the Arizona Diamondbacks are locked in a fierce battle for the final National League Wild Card berth. They lead their West Division rival by one game. Each club is fine-tuning its
roster in preparation for a thrilling late-season race. And if you want to play October baseball, you better have a deep bullpen.
In today’s baseball, a dominant bullpen is the backbone of postseason success. Once a team scores a few runs, the manager can shorten the game to six innings because of the number of pitching arms available out of the ‘pen. He can bridge the gap until the closer secures the victory.
Adam has all the tools to be a difference-maker in October. He was 2-2 with a 2.51 ERA in 36 appearances before a shoulder injury derailed his season. Despite durability concerns, the right-hander has a strong playoff track record, pitching to a 2.45 ERA with just two earned runs over 7.1 innings. The stats confirm that Adam thrives pitching under postseason pressure.
Expected timeline for Adam’s return to the roster
Currently, Adam is on the 60-day IL and is not eligible to be activated until Aug. 29th.
After sustaining the injury, an MRI showed no structural damage in the shoulder region. Adam sat out seven weeks before beginning a light throwing program from 90 feet. He felt no pain and regained full range of motion with his right arm.
It allowed him to throw off a mound at the Friars’ Peoria Spring Training complex. The next step in his rehab process is to build arm strength before pitching in minor league games.
There is no official date for his return, but the organization is optimistic that Adam can pitch in the majors by mid-September. It will give them time to evaluate whether Adam can become a vital bullpen option for the postseason.
Only 28 games remain in the 2026 season. Adam must show he is healthy enough to pitch once again before thinking about any postseason heroics.
