Black gives nod to O'Sullivan for spring opener

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Padres manager Bud Black was reluctant to name the team's Opening Day starter, but he did announce that Sean O'Sullivan will start the team's Spring Training opener on Friday against the Seattle Mariners.

"Seeing Sean from afar, obviously heard the name being a San Diego kid, and [he] was a highly-regarded high school player, but the thing that stood out for me when I saw him this winter at Petco [was that] he looks in great shape. Really determined to make his mark. He's been with a couple different teams with some varied success, but there is a determined look in his eye, which is great."

O'Sullivan has not pitched in a Major League game since 2011 and has a career record of 10-14 with a 6.13 ERA.

Adys Portillo and Thad Weber will pitch in Friday's game as well. Both Portillo and Weber went 8-11 in the Minor Leagues last season. Weber posted a 4.42 ERA in 25 games, while Portillo's ERA was 3.34.

Tyson Ross, whom the Padres acquired via an offseason trade with Oakland, will start on Saturday.

Ross went 2-11 in 18 games (13 starts) for the Athletics in 2012, posting a 6.50 ERA.