LHP Joey Lucchesi to make his major league debut Friday

(Photo credit: Cherished Memories)

Padres' LHP Joey Lucchesi, the club’s #9 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, will make his Major League debut on Friday night against the Brewers.

News about Lucchesi made the rounds when he was seen on the field as the Padres underwent batting practice prior to Thursday’s game. It was previously thought that perhaps Robbie Erlin would make the start and replace Dinelson Lamet (elbow) in the rotation for the time being, but now that is not the case.

The news was then made official by Andy Green during his press availability period. When asked about the move, the manager said that the organization has “tons of confidence” in Lucchesi and that the Padres expect him to be a part of the rotation for years to come.

AJ Preller reaffirmed that notion, making it clear they did not call up Lucchesi for only one start. The 6’5” southpaw will get all the chances to become a mainstay in a rotation, joining Clayton Richard, Bryan Mitchell, Luis Perdomo, and Tyson Ross.

Splitting time between A-Lake Elsinore and AA-San Antonio in 2017, Lucchesi registered a 2.20 ERA with 148 strikeouts in 139 innings. He perhaps accelerated his timeline to the majors with an impressive spring performance, and will become the first 2016 Padres draft pick to reach the major leagues.

Lucchesi will be added to the roster prior to Friday's game. No roster move will be made until then.