San Diego has DFA’d right‑hander Alek Jacob, clearing a roster slot for Jason Adam, who’s back from the 60‑day IL.
Jacob, a 28‑year‑old depth arm, spent July onward in Triple‑A. He’s bounced between levels for over three seasons, logging just three MLB appearances this year after a career‑best 33⅓ innings last season. He’s posted a 4.18 ERA with average strikeout and walk rates over 56 career innings. For my money, those numbers show he’s hovering on the edge of a major‑league role.
The Triple‑A stint has been rough; Jacob’s ERA sits at 5.58 over 61⅓ innings. A sidewinder, he banks on deception to mask below‑average stuff. His fastball tops out at 84 mph, and he favors a changeup over a breaking ball, a rare choice for a low‑slot pitcher.
Jacob will be placed on waivers in the coming days, marking his third and final option year out of Gonzaga. Another club could stash him in the minors for the rest of the season but must keep him on the MLB roster next year. Should he clear, San Diego can outright him to Triple‑A and retain him.