San Diego Padres reliever Jason Adam sustained a likely season-ending quad injury Monday during a 4-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, collapsing while attempting to field a ground ball at Petco Park.
How the Jason Adam Injury Occurred
The incident happened in the top of the seventh inning with the game tied 3-3. Adam crumpled to the ground while moving to field a chopper hit by Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson.
“I went to plant to go back and grab the ball, because it was kind of a chopper to my right, and that’s when I felt the pop and it kind of gave out and I fell,” Adam said. The 34-year-old reliever was visibly in pain before being helped onto a cart and removed from the field.
Immediate Aftermath in Orioles Game
Following the injury, All-Star reliever Robert Suarez entered the game for the Padres. Suarez subsequently allowed Dylan Beavers to hit a single that scored Jeremiah Jackson for the go-ahead run.
The run proved to be the game-winner, finalizing the score at 4-3. The loss was the second straight for the Padres, dropping their record to 76-62.
A Potential Jason Adam Season-Ending Injury
Adam, who is awaiting an MRI for confirmation, believes the injury will end his season. He estimated the recovery time, saying “that sounds like six to nine months, so the season’s probably done.“
The pitcher expressed his disappointment about missing a potential championship run. “I think that’s the hardest part…you just know there’s everything in this clubhouse to win the World Series,” Adam stated.
Mike Shildt on Adam Injury and Bullpen
Padres manager Mike Shildt praised the injured pitcher, calling him “an absolute workhorse.” Adam was a crucial component of the San Diego Padres bullpen, posting a 1.93 ERA over 66 games.
“Jason is as solid a guy as there is. He’s well-respected and means a lot to us,” Shildt said. “We’ll miss him and we’ll have to figure it out.” Adam’s absence is a significant blow to a bullpen that leads Major League Baseball with a 3.11 ERA.
Padres Playoff Picture After Loss
The loss positions the Padres 2 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. San Diego currently holds a two-game lead over the New York Mets for the second NL wild-card spot.
The Padres will face the Orioles again on Tuesday in the second game of their three-game series.
