Before this afternoon’s game against the Diamondbacks, the Padres placed right-hander Dinelson Lamet on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his throwing forearm. James Norwood was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to replace him on the active roster.
Lamet left last night’s start in the third inning due to what manager Jayce Tingler called forearm “fatigue.” Today’s diagnosis of inflammation is a bit more concerning at first glance, although the team has yet to provide any other update.
It’s the continuation of a rather alarming series of arm issues for Lamet, who underwent a Tommy John surgery in April 2018. His breakout 2020 season was ended early after he felt biceps discomfort in his final regular-season start last September. The Padres played things cautiously with Lamet, bringing him along slowly and having him begin this season on the injured list. The 28-year-old returned in late April but left his first start with forearm soreness. He was back by early May but is now dealing with renewed issues in the area.
In between the injuries, Lamet has shown top-of-the-rotation ability. He pitched to a pristine 2.09 ERA/3.16 SIERA across 69 innings during last year’s shortened season, earning him a fourth-place finish in NL Cy Young award balloting. Lamet hasn’t quite pitched at that level this season, but he’s again been effective. Through 34 1/3 frames, he’s worked to a 3.67 ERA/3.82 SIERA. Ryan Weathers, recently optioned to Triple-A, looks likely to be recalled to assume Lamet’s rotation spot while he’s out.
