Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 3

Padres' Randy Vásquez Hospitalized After 98.8 mph Comebacker, Faints Before Ankle X-Ray

Updated

Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 3

Padres' Randy Vásquez Hospitalized After 98.8 mph Comebacker, Faints Before Ankle X-Ray

Q: The Padres' pitching meltdown echoes a 1929 record. Is this the worst collapse in modern baseball history?

No. The Padres’ stretch is historically awful, but it is not the worst collapse in modern baseball history. What makes it notable is the extremity of the pitching line. Over six games, San Diego allowed 66 runs, posted a 10.48 ERA, gave up 17 homers, and became only the second team in MLB history to go 0-6 while allowing at least 75 hits, 60 runs, 30 walks and 15 home runs in that span. The only other club to match that statistical profile was the 1929 Philadelphia Phillies. That makes this one of the ugliest short-term pitching meltdowns on record. But “worst collapse” usually means more than a terrible week. It usually refers to a team blowing a pennant, playoff berth or championship from a strong position. By that standard, the Padres’ skid does not rank above collapses such as the 2004 Yankees losing an ALCS after leading 3-0, the 2007 Mets blowing a seven-game division lead with 17 to play, or the 1978 Red Sox and 1969 Cubs fading from commanding late-season positions. The Padres’ downturn is severe and damaging. They have fallen to 43-43, their playoff odds have dropped sharply, and injuries have gutted the rotation, leaving the bullpen overworked. But they were not protecting a dominant division lead or sitting one win from a title. So the fairest description is this: it is one of the worst six-game pitching collapses in modern MLB history, not the worst overall collapse.

3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jul 3

Randy Vásquez spent Thursday night in a Los Angeles hospital after fainting on his way to an X-ray room at Dodger Stadium following San Diego's 12-7 loss.
The Padres right-hander had taken a 98.8 mph comebacker from Mookie Betts off his ankle in the first inning, though a trainer caught him before he fell and the hospital trip was described as precautionary.
Vásquez stayed in the game after testing the ankle with practice pitches, then worked 3 innings while allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 1 walk with no strikeouts.
Manager Craig Stammen said Vásquez was conscious and undergoing tests, with the cause of the fainting still unclear and the ankle evaluation not yet complete.