Nearing a finalized Opening Day roster, the Padres announced Thursday that they have selected the contract of right-hander Craig Stammen, who entered camp as one of a handful of long shots to make the big league club.
In 10 Cactus League outings of relief, Stammen has given up just one earned run in 11 2/3 innings (0.77 ERA) and nine hits, with 12 strikeouts and a 1.20 WHIP.
Stammen signed with the Padres in December with the intent to be a competitive piece in their Spring Training mix of pitchers. He spent last year in the Indians' organization on a Minor League deal following an injury-riddled 2015. Prior to that, he spent seven seasons with the Nationals, from 2009-15, during which he posted a 3.02 career ERA as a reliever.
"I've proven I've got the track record of pitching in the big leagues in the bullpen and that I can get the job done on really good teams," Stammen said earlier this spring. "As long as my health came back and my stuff came back, I felt like I could compete with anybody."
With Stammen's inclusion in the bullpen, three pitchers -- Jose Torres, Phil Maton and Miguel Diaz -- are competing for the two remaining spots. Diaz would appear to have a leg up because of his Rule 5 Draft status.
Also on Thursday, the Padres placed lefty Robbie Erlin on the 60-day disabled list as he continues recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Erlin underwent Tommy John surgery last May, and he is expected to return near the All-Star break. He threw off a mound on Friday and has had an otherwise productive rehab this spring. In 30 career outings (25 starts) from 2013-16, Erlin is 9-12 with a 4.54 ERA n 148 2/3 innings.