Adrian Morejon: Everything you need to know

Morejon secured a hold Thursday, working 1.2 perfect innings with two strikeouts in a 5-2 win over the Mariners. Morejon has had a bumpy start to the season after his All-Star campaign in 2025, when he pitched in 75 games and had career-best marks in ERA (2.08) and WHIP (0.90). The southpaw came into the season as the set-up guy for dominant closer Mason Miller and has three holds in eight appearances so far, but Morejon allowed at least one run in four of his first six outings. San Diego seems to still have faith in him, however, given he's been used in high-leverage situations each of his past two games.

The Padres and Morejon avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million contract Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports. It was the final year of arbitration eligibility for Morejon, who is slated to become a free agent next offseason. The left-hander has posted a 2.42 ERA and 141:38 K:BB over 137.1 regular-season innings as a full-time reliever since the start of the 2024 campaign. He'll again serve in a high-leverage role in 2026.

Padres manager Craig Stammen said Monday that Morejon will remain in the bullpen next season, Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com reports. Morejon has past starting experience and the Padres had considered moving him into their rotation in 2026. However, it's been decided to keep the lefty in a relief role instead. Morejon has posted a 2.42 ERA and 141:38 K:BB over 137.1 regular-season innings as a full-time reliever since the start of the 2024 campaign. The Padres are also keeping Mason Miller in a relief role, so Morejon likely won't see many, if any, save chances unless Miller gets injured.