Over the last two seasons Adrián Morejón has been one of the most dominant left-handed relievers in the major leagues and a key component of the San Diego Padres bullpen. It can be argued that only Mason Miller has been more important to the Californian team’s relieving corps.
Over that span in 130 innings pitched the southpaw has a record of 21-8, 2.56 earned run average, 36 holds, 4 saves, 133 strikeouts and 0.98 WHIP. This also includes a selection to the All-Star Game in 2023. Morejón’s versatility has been a key asset to the team’s pitching staff, he even still has the capability and the desire to start games.
Morejón has also unleashed the fifth most 100 mph pitches this season and although trade rumors have been swirling around the Cuban heading into the trade deadline don’t expect the flamethrowing lefty to be traded due to the fact that San Diego is still in the thick of things in the wildcard hunt, trailing Arizona by only two games for the last playoff spot.
You started a little slowly, but you have a 1.89 ERA over your last 30 games. What adjustments have you made to achieve that level of performance?
Well, I don’t think it was so much an adjustment. The season didn’t start the way I wanted it to, but physically I was feeling very good, and my pitches looked good. I didn’t change anything. I simply listened to the coaches’ advice and stayed positive, knowing that at some point things had to improve.
You have had several roles with this team. Which one do you feel most comfortable in?
Honestly, I feel comfortable wherever I can help the team. I am always available whenever they need me, no matter what inning it is. I always go out there and try to do a good job. Sometimes I have to pitch two innings and sometimes I don’t, but I always try to be available for the team.
When you were originally signed, you were a starting pitcher. Would you like to start again someday?
Yes. In the end, that is what I did all the time before 2024, but who knows if one day I might return to being a starter.
You are in Miami, which is the capital of the Cuban community in the United States. How does that make you feel?
Good. Being here makes me feel like I am in Cuba. Everyone I have seen since we arrived at the hotel yesterday has been Cuban, and I am very happy to be here and spend time with so many of my fellow Cubans.
Nine players of Cuban heritage were selected to the All-Star Game. What does that say about the level of Cuban baseball?
Honestly, I am very happy about that. I feel that in recent years, especially here in the United States, we have become much more recognized than in previous years. I am very happy for all the guys who were able to participate. I have a very good relationship with all of them, and I am very happy that they were all able to represent Cuba.
Do you have any goals for the second half of the season?
To try to stay healthy and continue helping the team win and qualify for the postseason, which is the most important thing. I don’t have any specific personal goal—just to help the team.