News
Perdomo in line for more opportunities
San Diego (37-56) vs. Florida (47-47), 7:05 p.m. PT
By Amy Brittain / MLB.com
07/21/09 3:30 AM ET
SAN DIEGO -- With the Padres trading right-handed pitcher Cla Meredith to the Orioles on Sunday in exchange for infielder Oscar Salazar, manager Bud Black answered questions about the role Meredith filled and any potential shifts in bullpen duties. Black said Meredith's innings "were sort of starting to get taken up" by Greg Burke, Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson, who was reinstated July 6 from a stint on the 15-day disabled list. "Cla was pitching more in games where it was earlier in the game, and maybe when we were behind," Black said. "Hopefully Baltimore will give him an opportunity him to pitch in situations where a lot of relievers like to pitch in, when the game is on the line and your team has the lead. That just wasn't happening here." Black will look to relievers Luis Perdomo and Mike Ekstrom to get some increased nods, along with lefty Joe Thatcher, who was recalled on Monday from Triple-A Portland. Perdomo, a rookie, has not allowed an earned run since June 26, spanning his last 9 2/3 innings of work. Perdomo, who is 1-0 with a 3.58 ERA this season in 20 appearances, allowed one unearned run Sunday in a 6-1 loss to the Rockies. Perdomo missed 15 games in June with a strained left knee. He made one rehab appearance before returning to the club on June 26. Ekstrom and Thatcher hold the highest ERAs in the bullpen, with 5.00 and 4.58, respectively. Ekstrom, who has pitched nine innings for the Padres this season, tossed a pair of rough outings against Rockies at PETCO Park. He allowed three runs on three hits in one inning Thursday and allowed two runs on three hits in 1 1/3 innings Sunday. Thatcher is now on his third stint with the Padres, having tossed 17 2/3 innings this season with his last appearance on July 5. Thatcher tossed two scoreless innings, allowing one hit, walking two and striking out three. Pitching matchupSD: RHP Chad Gaudin (4-8, 4.84 ERA)
Gaudin was a hard-luck loser against the Rockies on Thursday, when he allowed four runs, though only one earned, over five innings on four hits. The Rockies drove his pitch count up by taking four walks, which at times has been a nemesis for Gaudin. Of course, the eight strikeouts in five innings also helped contribute to the high pitch count as Gaudin was gone after five innings and 103 pitches. This will be his first start against the Marlins this season. FLA: RHP Chris Volstad (6-9, 4.53 ERA)
Volstad struggled to keep the ball in the park in his last start, giving up three home runs against the Phillies on Thursday. The right-hander allowed four runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out five and walking one. The 22-year-old continues to leave pitches up in the zone and opponents are making him pay. He has now allowed 20 home runs over 19 starts this season. Tidbits
Padres second baseman David Eckstein has been showing progress in recovering from a strained right hamstring. Eckstein has performed running drills for two consecutive days, with Black saying he's at 75 percent of his maximum speed. Eckstein, who went on the 15-day DL on July 6, has missed 12 games. ... Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hit his 25th home run of the season on Monday against the Marlins. Gonzalez is tied Raul Ibanez of the Phillies for second place in the Major Leagues. ... Padres second baseman Edgar Gonzalez visited with teammates on Monday for the first time since his being hit in the head by a pitch on Saturday. Gonzalez, who was released from the hospital Sunday, wore a neck brace and told reporters he would be resting at home during the majority of his stint on the 15-day DL. Tickets
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• XPRS 1090, XEMO 860 (Español) Up next
• Wednesday: Padres (Josh Geer, 1-5, 6.02) vs. Marlins (Ricky Nolasco, 6-7, 5.77), 12:35 p.m. PT
• Thursday: Padres (Kevin Correia, 6-7, 4.34) at Phillies (Cole Hamels, 5-5, 4.72), 4:05 p.m. PT
• Friday: Padres (Mat Latos, 0-1, 4.50) at Nationals (Jordan Zimmermann, 3-5, 4.63), 4:05 p.m. PT
Amy Brittain is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
