Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Torres ready to join Padres Spring Training

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Left-handed reliever Alex Torres is finally poised to debut at Padres Spring Training.

San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes confirmed Tuesday morning that Torres was to fly Tuesday from his native Venezuela to Phoenix, where he'll report to the team's facility 12 days after the rest of the pitchers and catchers.

Torres' arrival in camp comes two days before the the Padres face the Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex in their Cactus League opener. The delay in his arrival stemmed from Torres needing a new visa because his employer changed last month when he was traded from the Rays to the Padres as part of a seven-player deal.

San Diego manager Bud Black had said previously that the delay in Torres' arrival shouldn't affect how soon he could be ready to pitch in games, mostly because he's a relief pitcher and has pitched this winter in Venezuela.

The Padres envision Torres as someone who can pitch in high-leverage situations late in games and not just against left-handed batters. 

Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. Keep track of @FollowThePadres on Twitter.
Read More: San Diego Padres, Alex Torres