The Padres returned Nunez to the Orioles on Tuesday, Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com reports.
The Padres selected Nunez in the Rule 5 Draft back in December, but he wasn't able to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster after surrendering four runs (two earned) on six hits and six walks across five innings in spring training. He'll now return to the Orioles' farm system, losing his 40-man roster spot in the process. Nunez will likely open the 2025 season at High-A Aberdeen or Double-A Chesapeake.
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Padres' Juan Nunez: Makes spring debut
Rotowire
Nunez (shoulder) gave up two unearned runs on one hit and one walk over one inning Wednesday in the Padres' 4-3 loss to the Rockies in Cactus League play.
The Rule 5 pick made his spring debut for the Padres after recovering from the shoulder injury that cost him the final four months of the 2024 season. Nunez has yet to pitch above the High-A level, but in order for the Padres to retain his rights, he'll need to spend the entire 2025 season on the 26-man active roster or on a reserve list. The 24-year-old righty will likely be limited to a low-leverage role out of the bullpen if the Padres opt to carry him on their Opening Day roster.
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Padres' Juan Nunez: Swiped in Rule 5 draft
Rotowire
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.
