It’s been quite the expedition for 29-year-old relief pitcher Lake Bachar, who will make his MLB Debut for the San Diego Padres. He kicked off his sports career by being a kicker/punter in 2015 for Division Three Wisconsin-Whitewater. He then transitioned to baseball and was drafted in the fifth round by the Padres in 2016. His time for the majors has finally arrived, and he will debut against the New York Mets.
Reliever Lake Bachar will join the #Padres tomorrow. https://t.co/bK59Dj1Han
— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) August 25, 2024
Right-Handed Reliever to Debut for Padres
Bachar’s Minor League Career
Bachar has spent time in Triple-A with the El Paso Chihuahuas this season. He’s sported a record of 5-3 with an ERA of 4.12 across 67.2 innings pitched. In 2023, he spent time in Double-A with the San Antonio Missions, with a 5-1 record and an ERA of 2.69 across 60.1 innings pitched. The Padres’ goal at this point in the season is to gain as many pitching options as possible that would be helpful for the postseason. They are currently sitting second in the NL Wild Card spot. Bachar was added to the 40-man roster on August 2nd and then optioned back to Triple-A. Due to his opt-out clause, the Padres had 24 hours to add him to the roster.
Why He Deserves to be Promoted
Bachar has spent practically a decade in the minors, so his time to get promoted has been long overdue. He is also 6-2 in height, which is always an asset in the big leagues. Bachar also pitched as a starter but went back and forth from starter to reliever at the start of his baseball career. In 2019, he was granted the role of starter with Double-A Amarillo. He posted an 8-4 record with an ERA of 3.98. His experience and background are undoubtedly eccentric, and he deserves this promotion to the big leagues.
Seeing how he performs at the highest level in his career will be interesting. If he can be productive in the pen, he will undoubtedly get the chance to appear in the postseason if the Padres remain in a wild-card spot. This is an exciting moment for Bachar in his career that he will cherish. MLB’s prospects this season have showcased impressive skill sets and talent. Many prospects will make their way up over the next few seasons, which will be exciting to watch.
Main Photo Credits: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
