Padres Closer Explained Why He Refused to Come in and Pitch in One-Run Game

Padres closer Josh Hader did not make himself available to pitch during Monday’s loss against the Giants, despite a situation that was seemingly ideal for the team’s premier relief pitcher.

Needing four outs in order to shut the door on San Francisco, San Diego was clinging onto a 1–0 lead. With two outs in the top of the eighth, the Padres were forced to turn to Robert Suárez because Hader did not make himself available to enter the game to pitch for four outs.

Suarez surrendered two runs in the eighth inning and San Diego lost 2–1. 

Hader, a five-time All-Star, has not pitched more than three outs in a regular season game since 2020. Even with San Diego’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, Hader opted against lifting his restriction.

After the loss, Hader explained his decision not to make himself available, suggesting his choice came down to the team’s current situation.

“It’s the situation that we are at,” said Hader on Monday night, via AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. “Are we in the playoff race?”

Following Monday’s loss, the Padres would have to win out their remaining five games to reach the postseason. While still technically in the playoff race, it’s highly unlikely.

“It has nothing to do with the offseason,” said Hader, who is set to hit free agency after the 2023 season. “It’s the now, it’s the health, it’s the making it through the entire season—162 games is not an easy task to do. You see guys work overloads, they get injured.” 

This season, Hader has made 57 appearances and registered 31 saves. He owns a 1.19 ERA with 81 strikeouts across 53 innings on the mound.