The Padres returned Nunez to the Orioles on Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.
The Padres selected Nunez in the Rule 5 Draft back in December, but he wasn't able to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster after surrendering four runs (two earned) on six hits and six walks across five innings in spring training. He'll now return to the Orioles' farm system, losing his 40-man roster spot in the process. Nunez will likely open the 2025 season at High-A Aberdeen or Double-A Chesapeake.
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Padres' Juan Nunez: Makes spring debut
Rotowire
Nunez (shoulder) gave up two unearned runs on one hit and one walk over one inning Wednesday in the Padres' 4-3 loss to the Rockies in Cactus League play.
The Rule 5 pick made his spring debut for the Padres after recovering from the shoulder injury that cost him the final four months of the 2024 season. Nunez has yet to pitch above the High-A level, but in order for the Padres to retain his rights, he'll need to spend the entire 2025 season on the 26-man active roster or on a reserve list. The 24-year-old righty will likely be limited to a low-leverage role out of the bullpen if the Padres opt to carry him on their Opening Day roster.
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Padres' Juan Nunez: Tosses bullpen Tuesday
Rotowire
Nunez (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, per MLB.com.
Nunez was shut down from throwing in mid-August last year due to a shoulder injury, and he's building up slowly this spring. The righty reliever was selected by San Diego in the Rule 5 draft in December after posting a 2.45 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB over 29.1 innings in High-A ball with the Orioles' organization last season. As a Rule 5 draftee, Nunez must spend the entire upcoming campaign on the Padres' active roster or else be subjected to waivers, though San Diego could place him on the injured list for a period of time.
The Padres selected Nunez (shoulder) with the 12th pick of the Rule 5 draft Wednesday, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.
A shoulder injury caused Nunez to miss the final four months of the minor-league season as a member of the Orioles, so it's possible the Padres will be able to stash him on the injured list for a good chunk of the season. Nunez logged a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB in 29.1 innings over seven appearances at High-A prior to the injury. If the Padres stash him all season, Nunez could be sent back to the minors to stretch back out as a starter in 2026.
Nunez was shut down for the season in May due to a shoulder issue, MLB.com reports.
Part of the package of prospects the Orioles got from the Twins in the 2022 deal that sent Jorge Lopez to Minnesota, Nunez has developed into one of Baltimore's top pitching prospects. Prior to his injury, he had a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 29.1 innings for High-A Aberdeen.
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