The Padres selected Nunez (shoulder) with the 12th pick of the Rule 5 draft Wednesday, JJ Cooper of Baseball America reports.
A shoulder injury caused Nunez to miss the final four months of the minor-league season as a member of the Orioles, so it's possible the Padres will be able to stash him on the injured list for a good chunk of the season. Nunez logged a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 38:10 K:BB in 29.1 innings over seven appearances at High-A prior to the injury. If the Padres stash him all season, Nunez could be sent back to the minors to stretch back out as a starter in 2026.
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Orioles' Juan Nunez: Won't return this season
Rotowire
Nunez was shut down for the season in May due to a shoulder issue, MLB.com reports.
Part of the package of prospects the Orioles got from the Twins in the 2022 deal that sent Jorge Lopez to Minnesota, Nunez has developed into one of Baltimore's top pitching prospects. Prior to his injury, he had a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 29.1 innings for High-A Aberdeen.
