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Former Oakland A’s reliever Domingo Tapia heading to Padres

By David Hill

Aug 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Domingo Tapia (50) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Domingo Tapia (50) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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Another former Oakland A’s player has found a new home.

This time, it is Domingo Tapia who will be heading elsewhere for the 2023 season. According to his MLB.com player page, he has signed a minor league contract with the Padres.

Former Oakland A’s pitcher Domingo Tapia finds a new organization

Tapia had some success in the majors prior to heading to Oakland. Despite bouncing between the Red Sox, Mariners, and Royals, he posted a 2.61 ERA and a 1.211 WHiP over his 38 innings, striking out 30 batters with 17 walks. Although he did not overpower the opposition, his ability to keep the ball on the ground made him a respectable enough option in middle relief.

That was not the case last season. Tapia was shelled during his time in the majors for the A’s, posting an 8.47 ERA and a 2.294 WHiP in his 17 innings, striking out 12 batters with 14 walks. While he still generated grounders at a 47.6% rate, opponents had a .338/.444/.527 batting line against Tapia in their 90 plate appearances.

He was much better in Triple-A. Although Las Vegas has been a launching pad, Tapia found a great deal of success for the Aviators. He posted a 1.76 ERA and a 1.207 WHiP in his 30.2 innings in Las Vegas, striking out 29 batters with 12 walks.

The Padres are clearly hoping that Tapia can regain his form from 2020 and 2021. If he does, he would be an inexpensive option in middle relief, especially since he has yet to accumulate one full year of major league service time. As there are a few openings in the Padres bullpen, it is possible that he can find himself on an Opening Day roster with a strong enough spring training.

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Former Oakland A’s reliever Domingo Tapia has found a new home to begin the 2023 season. He has signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres.