March 12: Hoeing will undergo flexor tendon surgery and miss the entire 2026 season, Acee reports. He will be paid at least the MLB minimum and remain on the 60-day injured list should the team need a spot on the 40-man roster. Hoeing will be eligible for compensation next winter but may be non-tendered.
March 9: Padres right-hander Bryan Hoeing he may have some type of elbow surgery. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports that the righty is rehabbing while making a decision about whether or not to go under the knife. The manager Craig Stammen he tells Acee that the club expects a decision “soon.”
A little over a week ago, Hoeing was sidelined due to discomfort in his throwing elbow. Playing coach Ruben Niebla seemed optimistic that it wouldn’t be a big problem but maybe the new experience has changed things.
Acee did not specify what type of procedure Hoeing might undergo but most elbow surgeries require a significant absence. Ultimately, Tommy John surgery involves a recovery period of over a year. Even something as serious as a procedure to remove bone spurs requires several months of recovery. Carlos Rodón he had bone spur surgery in October and aims to return in April, for about six months.
There is never a good time for a striker to have elbow surgery but right now would be particularly unfortunate for Hoeing. He appeared to have a breakout year in 2024, posting a 2.18 earned run average in 53 2/3 innings, but was unable to build on that in 2025. Right shoulder strain put him on the shelf to start the year. He was released from the IL in June but was kept on optional duty and struggled to get into the groove, posting a 4.70 ERA in Triple-A. He was looking to make another comeback in 2026 but the surgery could put a damper on that.
Even if he can avoid surgery, Hoeing looks set to start the season in IL. Even with him on the shelf, the bullpen competition looks strong. Acee writes that Kyle Hart make a strong push to gain space. He has thrown 8 2/3 scoreless innings in spring training so far with seven strikeouts, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out one batter. He worked as a shortstop last year but struggled, posting a 5.86 ERA in 43 innings.
Left hand Yuki Matsui is a potential wildcard, as he has been battling an adductor strain. Acee says Matsui has resumed his defense and pitching on the mound but is still questionable for Opening Day.
On paper, the Padres project to have eight bullpen spots taken Mason Miller, Adrián Morejón, Jeremiah Estrada, David Morgan, Wandy Peralta, Bradgley Rodríguez, Ron Marinaccio and Matsui. Of those eight boys, Morejón, Peralta, Matsui and Marinaccio cannot be selected. Of the four who can’t, Miller won’t be there. Estrada and Morgan are unlikely to be discounted, given their strong results. Rodríguez is highly touted, with seven major league games under his belt. Jason Adam opening day is questionable. If he’s healthy, he could beat Rodríguez in the minors.
That would make it difficult to move in for Hart, who still has an option, unless Matsui starts the season in the IL. Things can get even tougher if Matt Waldron returns. He will start the season in the IL but is not expected to miss much time. You’re out of options and will need to squeeze someone out or squeeze them, unless more damage occurs.
Photo courtesy of David Frerker, Imagn Images
