MIAMI -- The Padres have found success on the waiver wire recently, most notably in All-Star reliever Brad Hand, and now they're hoping for similar results with their latest move.
San Diego claimed starting pitcher Tim Melville off waivers from the Twins on Saturday and transferred Miguel Diaz to the 60-day disabled list in a corresponding move.
Melville, 27, made his season debut for the Twins on Monday but was designated for assignment two days later. He surrendered five runs on four hits over 3 1/3 innings against the White Sox.
The 6-foot-4 right-hander offers an intriguing starting option with upside for the Padres and could be a September callup if all goes well. Melville posted a 4-3 record and a 2.70 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) for Triple-A Rochester.
Padres manager Andy Green said he was impressed by Melville's stuff after watching film of him on Friday night. He has fanned 64 batters in 66 2/3 frames in the Minors this season.
"It was 94-96 [mph] with a slider, a curveball and a changeup. I really like the curveball," Green said. "I think there's a lot to like there, and it's another starting option that gets into our Minor League system."
Melville, a fourth-round pick by the Royals in the 2008 Draft, will join Triple-A El Paso's rotation.
After striking gold on Hand last year and adding another solid bullpen piece in Kirby Yates off waivers this season, the Padres figured Melville was worth a flier.
"We've had some success doing it, and they're guys we really like," Green said.
Worth noting
• The transferring of Diaz (right forearm strain) to the 60-day DL doesn't mean much since he has been out for longer than 60 days. The Padres are hopeful the right-hander will return to the club within the next week. Diaz will make his next and -- if all goes well -- final rehab start at El Paso. In two starts at Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore, he gave up three runs over 7 1/3 innings.
• All signs point to Jhoulys Chacin making his Monday start against the Giants, Green noted, though he wouldn't say for sure. The right-hander is feeling better after jamming his throwing hand on Wednesday.