Arlin appeared in two games for the Padres in 1970, going 1-0 with an earned run average at 2.84 over 12.2 innings of work.
The following season he would have the first of two straight tough years while pitching for the cellar-dweller San Diego clubs when he’d go 9-19, leading the National League in losses, while sporting a 3.48 ERA over 36 appearances and 227.2 innings, along with 10 complete games and four shutouts.
Of course, working for the Padres then would give any pitcher a headache, just ask others like Bill Grief or Randy Jones before his 1976 Cy Young season.
In 1972 Arlin would once again lead the league in losses, this time with 21 against 10 wins, while pitching to a 3.60 ERA with three shutouts over 38 appearances and 250 innings pitched.
It would only get worse for Arlin in 1973, though he wouldn’t lead the league in losses, he’d go 11-14 with an ERA of 5.10 over 34 appearances and 180 innings, though he did toss another three shutouts.
In 1974 he’d start the year with San Diego, going 1-7 with an ERA just under 6.00 before getting traded to the Cleveland Indians for pitcher Brent Strom, but the change of scenery didn’t help mush as he’d go 2-5 the rest of the way with an ERA of 6.60.
Turns out it would be the last action he’d see on a Big League mound, retiring soon after without ever even pitching in Minor League ball as well, finishing his MLB career with a record of 34-67 along with an ERA of 4.33 over 141 appearances and 788.2 innings pitched, with 11 shutouts and 32 complete games.
