In an unparalleled showing, San Diego Padres’ Jeremiah Estrada has excelled, striking out 13 batters consecutively, and thus, establishing a new milestone in MLB’s modern era (since 1961).
Estrada’s show-stopping performance came against the Miami Marlins on the evening of May 28, where he successfully struck out all batters of an inning.
Jeremiah Estrada reaches a staggering 13 straight strikeouts. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/CeGGE7XSqb
— MLB (@MLB) May 29, 2024
Manager Mike Shildt of the Padres was full of praise for the 25-year-old ace in the media briefing following the game.
“The fastball is in a league of its own. But tonight, those split-finger fastballs were just nasty. It’s how he spins his secondary stuff and throws that unique fastball that gets you those consecutive strikeouts.”
Prior to this, the record had been held by Philadelphia Phillies’ Jose Alvarado, with a streak of 11 consecutive strikeouts in the preceding season.
Estrada was in a state of awe stating, “It’s surreal. I’m still processing it. I just stuck to doing my part.”
This marks a stark turnaround from his career’s low point last year. Estrada recounts receiving a call from his agent on his birthday, November 1, informing him that he had been placed on waivers by his former club, the Chicago Cubs.
In the 2023-24 season, Estrada’s performance in 12 appearances yielded a 6.75 ERA and 2.25 WHIP, accompanied by 13 strikeouts and 12 walks across 10.2 innings pitched.
Merely two days after his release, the Padres seized the opportunity and claimed Estrada off of waivers. This move has undoubtedly borne fruit.
In contrast, since joining the Padres this season and after an identical number of games, Estrada has significantly better statistics with only one run and four hits allowed, an impressive 0.55 ERA, a 0.55 WHIP, and a striking cast of 28 strikeouts with just 4 walks in 16.1 innings.
“We always knew he had potential,” says Padres pitching coach Ruben Niebla. “The real challenge was finding the consistency he needed.”
Josh Bell, the Marlins’ first baseman, watched in disbelief as Estrada struck out his fellow Marlins one after the other, creating a new record. Amazed, Bell inquired, “Was that guy really designated for assignment (DFA’d)?… How did he end up with the Padres?”
“Did that guy get DFA’d?… How did the Padres get him?” Bell asked.
