San Diego Padres closer Huston Street to make Spring debut on Saturday

Sep 20, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Huston Street (16) celebrates with manager Bud Black (20) after a 2-0 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

After dealing with groin issues that have kept him off the diamond for the duration of Spring Training thus far, San Diego Padres closer Huston Street is set to make his debut on the mound over the weekend.

#Padres closer Huston Street (groin) will get into his first game Saturday. Could be on minor league side, Black said.
— Jeff Sanders (@sdutSanders) March 13, 2014

Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union Tribune reports that Street will pitch in some capacity on Saturday for San Diego, and while it may be on the minor league side of the complex, it is incredibly encouraging news for Padres fans. The now 30-year-old Street has had various injury problems in the past, and those issues have kept him from throwing even 60 innings in four consecutive seasons.

However, the right-hander has been incredibly effective when he has actually been healthy enough to pitch, and a 2.98 ERA with over a strikeout per inning in his career reflects that level of relative dominance. The Padres have a variety of options in their bullpen this season (including former Tigers reliever Joaquin Benoit), but if San Diego can keep Street healthy and pitching, they will be a better team than they would be without him.

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