The San Diego Padres are facing a critical juncture as their closer, Robert Suarez, has encountered significant struggles in recent games. Suarez blew two saves within three opportunities, including a notable failure against the San Francisco Giants, prompting manager Mike Shildt to comment that Suarez appeared “human” rather than invincible. Despite this, Shildt defended Suarez’s capabilities, asserting, “The ball is coming out good,” and reiterated his confidence in the pitcher during crucial moments.
“Human,” Shildt said as posted by 97.3 The Fan. “He was basically (better than) human the first however many parts of the season. The ball is coming out good. … Give credit to (Ramos), put a good swing and put a good at-bat together. They’re just catching up to balls to take some opposite-field shots. That’s a hard thing to do, and they’ve been able to do it. But you know, he’s throwing 99, 100, 101. Stuff is really good.
“It’s part of the game. Over the course of the season, you’re going to give up a few balls to get barreled, and it’s going to be showing up when you pitch the ninth inning. … But I will take him tomorrow in a one-run game. I can tell you that.”