The Padres recalled Morejon from Triple-A El Paso on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Morejon pitched two-thirds of an inning during San Diego's series in South Korea but was optioned to Triple-A ahead of its domestic opener. He's given up two runs across 6.1 minor-league frames and will now return to the Padres to provide additional bullpen depth. Pedro Avila was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.

The Padres optioned Morejon to Triple-A El Paso on Thursday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morejon was on the roster for the team's two games in South Korea against the Dodgers but didn't make the cut for the Padres' domestic opener. He'll work in relief at El Paso.

Morejon signed a one-year contract with the Padres on Thursday, avoiding arbitration.

EDGE Analysis

Elbow and knee injuries limited Morejon to just eight big-league appearances last season. The 24-year-old southpaw surrendered seven earned runs over nine innings when healthy and will likely return to a middle relief role to begin 2024.

Morejon (knee) has made his last two rehab appearances at Triple-A El Paso, covering 1.2 innings and allowing an unearned run on one hit and no walks while striking out three between the two outings.

EDGE Analysis

Morejon shifted his rehab assignment to El Paso after he struck out two in a scoreless inning for the Padres' rookie-level Arizona Complex League club Aug. 4. The right-hander has been on the shelf since July 16 with right knee inflammation, an injury he picked up while fielding a bunt. Morejon could be on the cusp of being activated from the 15-day injured list, but he's unlikely to hold a major role out of the Friars bullpen once reinstated.

Morejon (knee) kicked off a minor-league rehab assignment with the Padres' Arizona Complex League club Friday, striking out two batters in one scoreless inning.

EDGE Analysis

Morejon went on the injured list July 16 due to a right knee strain. It was the second significant injury of the season for the southpaw, who missed over two months to start the campaign with a left elbow strain. Morejon has been limited to eight big-league appearances this season, allowing seven earned runs and posting an 8:5 K:BB over nine innings.

Morejon (knee) was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander reportedly suffered a right knee strain in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. Morejon will undergo imaging to determine the full extent of the injury. Right-hander Matt Waldron was recalled to take Morejon's place on the active roster.

Morejon strained his right knee in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Phillies and will be sent for imaging, Sammy Levitt of 97.3 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Morejon struggled during his time in the game, allowing two runs on three hits while recording his only out via strikeout. The lefty reliever opened the season on the 60-day IL due to an elbow injury and has seen action in eight contests since returning to San Diego on June 21, posting a 7.00 ERA, 2.11 WHIP and 8:5 K:BB over nine innings.

Morejon did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two hits and two walks over three scoreless innings against the Reds. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Morejon made his first start since 2021 in place of Yu Darvish (illness) and was stretched out to three frames after going fewer than two innings in each of his first four appearances of the season. The outing was a strong bounceback for the 24-year-old, who allowed three runs in his last appearance after having not allowed a run in his first three big league games in 2023. If Darvish is forced to miss extended time, Morejon could receive another starting look, however, it's likely he'll remain in the pen for San Diego.

Morejon will draw the start for Sunday's game against the Reds, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres haven't formally clarified their pitching plans for the series finale in Cincinnati, but considering he hasn't recorded more than seven outs in any of his appearances in the majors or minors this season, Morejon likely won't be asked to cover more than 3-to-4 innings. With Yu Darvish (illness) still under the weather and unable to make a turn through the rotation this weekend, the Padres could turn to recently recalled Triple-A starter Pedro Avila to work in bulk relief behind Morejon.

San Diego recalled Morejon from Triple-A El Paso on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Morejon is up in the majors for the first time in 2023 and will presumably fill a middle-relief role for the Padres. He was sidelined until late May due to left elbow inflammation but had since registered a 1.29 ERA with nine strikeouts across seven innings at the Triple-A level.