Padres agree to terms on one-year contract with LHP Clayton Richard

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Padres today announced they have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the 2012 season with left-handed pitcher Clayton Richard. Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement.

Since joining the Padres in 2009, the 28-year-old southpaw has gone 24-20 with a 3.84 ERA (156 ER/365.1 IP) over 63 starts, including an 11-11 mark with a 2.72 ERA (57 ER/188.2 IP) in 31 career starts at Petco Park over that span. Richard was 5-9 with a 3.88 ERA (43 ER/99.2 IP) and 53 strikeouts against 38 walks over 18 starts in 2011.  He underwent season-ending shoulder surgery on his left shoulder last season on July 29, performed by Dr. Heinz Hoenecke and Dr. Jan Fronek at Scripps Clinic in Torrey Pines.

Originally selected by the Chicago White Sox in the eighth round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, Richard has gone 30-28 with a 4.20 ERA (234 ER/502.0 IP) in 102 games, 85 starts over parts of four Major League seasons with the White Sox (2008-09) and Padres (2009-11). He was acquired by the Padres from the White Sox on July 31, 2009.

With today’s transaction the Padres have one player remaining eligible for arbitration in right-handed pitcher Dustin Moseley.