The San Diego Padres held off the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Sunday, securing their second straight win as they continue to chase the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. San Diego sits three games back with six to play.
Right-hander Michael King earned his first win since April after tossing five scoreless innings with four strikeouts. Adrian Morejon added his 20th hold, continuing his breakout campaign. In the ninth, two-time All-Star Robert Suarez slammed the door with a perfect inning, striking out two to record his 40th save of the season.
Suarez is the first pitcher in the National League to reach 40 saves this year and the second in MLB overall, trailing only Kansas City Royals closer Carlos Estévez.
Despite making his major league debut at 31, Suarez, now 34, has become one of the most reliable closers in baseball. Last season, he finished with 36 saves and a 2.77 ERA. This year, along with his 40 saves, he owns a 3.11 ERA across 68 appearances and has posted career bests in strikeouts, innings, K/BB ratio, WAR and saves.
At the end of the 2025 season, Suarez will have the option to opt out of the final two years of his contract, worth $8 million annually. Given his performance in recent seasons, he is expected to test free agency in search of a longer, more lucrative deal.
For now, Suarez and the Padres have their eyes set on October as they pursue the franchise’s first World Series title.
