Change of employer delays Torres' camp arrival
Visa issue keeping lefty away from Padres camp until weekend at earliest
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Pitcher Alex Torres won't report to the Padres' Spring Training facility until the weekend at the absolute earliest as he continues to have visa issues in his native Venezuela.
The problem is that Torres had to apply for and receive a new visa, as his previous one stated he was an employee of the Tampa Bay Rays.
However, Torres was traded to San Diego on Jan. 22, and the Padres have been working on paperwork to get him a new visa since then, with the intent of getting him to Arizona for the start of workouts for pitchers and catchers on Feb. 14.
The latest Torres is likely to arrive in Peoria would be the weekend of next week, though that wouldn't put him too far behind. If Torres were a starter, that would be a different story, but since he's a reliever, he figures to have time to prepare.
The Padres play their first Spring Training game on Feb. 27 against the Mariners. If anything, Torres' late arrival will give the organization a little more time early in camp to evaluate a handful of other bullpen hopefuls.
Torres pitched this winter in Venezuela, making seven appearances for Aguilas del Zulia and going 3-1 with a 2.38 ERA. He made his last appearance on Dec. 28.
Torres is expected to handle a late-inning relief role for the Padres. The left-hander will be counted on to not only get lefties out but righties as well.
The Padres received Torres and right-hander Jesse Hahn from the Rays as part of a seven-player deal that saw San Diego send infielder Logan Forsythe, relief pitcher Brad Boxberger and three Minor Leaguers -- pitchers Matt Lollis and Matt Andriese and infielder Maxx Tissenbaum -- to the Rays.