Holding true to his promise to be at least the 21st manager to announce his opening day starter, Padres skipper Buddy Black finally made the announcement this morning.
New comer Edinson Volquez will be handed the ball on the season opens April 5th against the Dodgers. Factoring into Buddy’s decision was the emergence of a strained triceps muscle in the pitching arm of last year’s opening day starter and front runner for this year’s assignment, Tim Stauffer.
Volquez will be making his second opening day appearance, having been the assignment last year as a member of the Reds. The 28 year old right hander joined the Padres this off season as part of the return from Cincinnati for Mat Latos. Volquez has pitched well this spring posting a 2-0 record an 3.38 ERA in 5 starts, allowing only 12 hits in 20.1 innings.
The status of Stauffer is uncertain ay this point. While there is no indication at this point that he will not be ready for the start of the season in the 5th spot of the rotation, it is a situation that will be monitored closely during the next few days.
Another new injury concern is Mark Kotsay, who strained his right calf in last night’s ball game and had to leave early. Like Stauffer his situation will be looked at closely in the next few days. Kotsay had been swinging the hot bat of late, raising his spring average to .345.
Only one roster moved was announced this morning:
REASSIGNED:
- James Darnell – 3B: James hit .295 during Cactus League play, getting time at 3B and the outfield. Buddy told him that he was in the mix of making the team all the way to this point, and has certainly positioned himself well to be one of the early call ups should the need arise.
- ANTHONY BASS – RHP: There are reports that Anthony Tweeted this morning that he had been told he will break camp with the club on their 25 many roster. This would not be a big surprise as he has thrown well going 2-0, with a 3.00 ERA, and has been effective in every role asked to do – start, long relief, and short relief. There was discussion as to how his development was best served, either in AAA as an everyday starter or in the big league bullpen, but ultimately Buddy and the staff feel that there is a lot he can learn being in the big leagues working out of the ‘pen, and can always be lengthened out to start again if needed.
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