Padres Send Chris Paddack All the Way to Single-A to Save Innings

The San Diego Padres have been keeping a close eye on pitcher Chris Paddack's workload since he came off Tommy John surgery prior to the 2018 season. Paddack's 65.2 innings pitched this season is rapidly approaching his innings limit.

So to ensure he doesn't get overworked, the Padres have decided to option Paddack all the way down Class-A Lake Elsinore -- a move that'll likely help Paddack pitch for the rest of the season with no major setbacks.

In a subsequent move, the Padres have also called up Triple-A pitcher Robert Stock to help their bullpen during Paddack's absence.

Although this move may be a surprise to some, Paddack's long-term health is a chief concern for the Padres, and this decision echoes that. He likely won't be in the minors for long, though. San Diego is just sending him down so that he can get some rest, so he'll probably be back in the near future.

While his workload was the most obvious reason he was optioned down to Class-A, Paddack has also been in a bit of a slump lately. In the past month, the 23-year-old pitcher has an 5.76 ERA, allowing 30 hits and eight home runs during that span.

Perhaps this move will help in more ways than one.