| Robert Suárez | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Suárez with the San Diego Padres in 2022 | |
| Free agent | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1991-03-01)March 1, 1991 (age 34) Bolívar State,Venezuela | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right | |
| Professional debut | |
| NPB: April 10, 2016, for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks | |
| MLB: April 7, 2022, for the San Diego Padres | |
| NPB statistics (through 2021 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 7–13 |
| Earned run average | 2.81 |
| Strikeouts | 209 |
| Saves | 68 |
| MLB statistics (through 2025 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 22–13 |
| Earned run average | 2.91 |
| Strikeouts | 219 |
| Saves | 77 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Robert Alexander Suárez Subero (born March 1, 1991) is a Venezuelan professionalbaseballpitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played inMajor League Baseball (MLB) for theSan Diego Padres and inNippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for theFukuoka SoftBank Hawks andHanshin Tigers. Suárez was an MLBAll-Star in2024 and2025, andled the NL in saves in 2025.
On April 16, 2015, Suárez signed with theSaraperos de Saltillo of theMexican League. In 43 games for Saltillo, Suárez logged a 5–0win–loss record and 1.71earned run average (ERA) with 48strikeouts.[citation needed]
On November 2, 2015, Suarez signed with theFukuoka SoftBank Hawks ofNippon Professional Baseball (NPB).[1][2]
On April 10, 2016, Suarez made his NPB debut.[3] In 2016, he finished the regular season with a 2–6 record, a 3.19 ERA, 64 strikeouts, 26 holds, and one save in 53 2/3 innings.[citation needed]
On February 8, 2017, Suarez was selected to theVenezuela national baseball team for the2017 World Baseball Classic.[4] On March 12, he injured his right elbow in a game againstMexico.[5] He hadTommy John surgery on April 14.[6]
On August 11, 2018, Suarez pitched in thePacific League against theHokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters for the first time in two years.[7] He finished the regular season with 11 games pitched, a 1–1 win–loss record, a 6.30 ERA, 3 holds, and 10 strikeouts in 10 innings.[citation needed]
Suarez finished the 2019 regular season with 9 Games pitched, a 0–4 Win–loss record, a 5.74ERA, and 27 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings. He pitched in the2019 Japan Series. On November 28, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks announced that the team would not re-sign Suárez for next season.[8] On December 2, 2019, he became a free agent.[9]
On December 19, 2019, Suárez signed with theHanshin Tigers of the NPB.[10] In 2020, Suárez pitched to a 2.24 ERA over 52.1 innings.[citation needed]
On December 2, 2020, he became a free agent.[11] On December 24, Suárez re-signed with the Tigers.[12] On June 13, 2021, Suárez set a Hanshin club record by recording a save in his 12th consecutive mound appearance, breaking the previous record of 11 held by former Tigers pitcherKyuji Fujikawa.[13] On June 30, Suárez’s streak ended when he came in to pitch in a tie game, with the new record being set at 14 consecutive mound appearances with a save.[14]
On December 1, 2021, Suárez signed a one-year contract with a 2023 player option with theSan Diego Padres.[15]
On April 7, 2022, Suárez made his major league debut against theArizona Diamondbacks, walking the first two batters he faced on a combined nine pitches before throwing a wild pitch, and then hitting a batter. Suárez was removed from the game without having recorded an out. All three runners he allowed later scored, earning him the loss.[16] On July 12, Suárez was placed on the 60-day injured list after undergoing knee surgery to remove "loose impediments" the month prior.[17] He was activated on August 6.[18] On November 7, Suárez opted out of his contract and became a free agent.[19]
On November 17, 2022, the Padres signed Suárez to a 5-year, $46 million contract.[20] After suffering from arm stiffness and right elbow inflammation duringspring training, Suárez began the 2023 season on the injured list.[21] He was transferred to the 60–day injured list on April 20, 2023.[22] Suárez was activated on July 20.[23] On August 23, Suárez was ejected for a sticky substance following a glove check, and received a 10–day suspension, which he unsuccessfully appealed.[24] He finished the 2023 season with a 4–3 record and a 4.23 ERA with 24 strikeouts.
In the 2024 season, Suárez was named as anAll-Star and ended with a 9–3 record and a 2.77 ERA with 36 saves and 59 strikeouts.
On May 2, 2025, he was named as the National LeagueReliever of the Month for April.[25]
Suárez was suspended for two games and fined an undisclosed amount forintentionally hitting batterShohei Ohtani with a pitch on June 19, 2025, during a game against theLos Angeles Dodgers.[26][27]
On July 8, Suárez was selected to his second consecutive All-Star Game.[28] He opted out of his contract on November 3, 2025, and became a free agent.[29]
His brother,Albert Suárez, is also a pitcher in MLB.[30]