By Liz Alper
Photo Robbie Erlin courtesy SD Dirk on Flickr
April 8, 2016 (Denver) - In light of a dreary Opening Week, the Padres made some changes to their bullpen on Friday, including acquiring a new pitcher.
The Friars called up pitcher Robbie Erlin from AAA El Paso. They also placed relief pitcher Matt Thornton on the 15-day disabled list with Achilles tendonitis that he suffered while doing some pre-game running before Opening Day. Erlin will replace him.
The biggest move the Padres made was acquiring Brad Hand off of waivers from the Miami Marlins, completing their 40-man roster. Hand was drafted out of high school in 2008 in the second round by the Marlins. Last year, he went 4-7 with a 5.30 ERA, 67 strikeouts and a 1.49 WHIP in 93 ⅓ innings. Over five years in the big leagues, he has a 4.71 ERA. Hand had a lackluster spring, allowing 10 runs on 11 hits and eight walks in 11 innings. In his last spring appearance, he struck out eight, gave up a home run and hit
three batters.
The Padres also agreed to a minor league deal with ex-Tampa Bay Ray James Loney, who had a struggling season last year and failed to make the Rays’ 25-man roster this season.
The Padres had a less-than-stellar Opening Week, being shut out and swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers and going 30 consecutive innings without a run, a streak that finally ended on Friday against Colorado.
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