Padres like what they've seen from Edwards

DENVER -- During a month where the Padres' bullpen has struggled mightily with a 6.31 ERA, newcomer Jon Edwards continues to shine.

Edwards, obtained from the Rangers on Aug. 21 for Will Venable, struck out the side in the eighth inning of Friday's 7-4 loss to the Rockies on 14 pitches.

"I think he's in a good spot," said Padres interim manager Pat Murphy.

In five appearances since joining the Padres from Triple-A El Paso on Sept. 2, the right-hander has allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings with three hits, five walks and eight strikeouts.

Edwards -- who showed a hard slider and a fastball that ran as high as 97 mph on Friday -- had eight walks in six innings with the Rangers earlier this season but he has worked with the coaching staff since his arrival on his command.

"I think early on, walks and things like that have hurt. As long as I'm attacking hitters and staying aggressive, I feel pretty good about it," Edwards said.

Pitching coach Darren Balsley has talked to Edwards about "finishing his pitches," which is a fundamental pitching mechanic that some pitchers occasionally run astray of. This helps him gain a better control point. So far, it's worked.

In a small sample size with the Padres, Edwards is throwing more strikes and his command has been good.

"I'm trying to keep that mentality, attacking guys with fastballs early in the count. That's important for me. When I've done that, I've had a lot of success," he said. "The coaches have given me some good advice that's going to help me to do that more consistently."

With relievers Joaquin Benoit and Shawn Kelley set to become free agents after this season, the organization is taking a long look at Edwards to see if he can be a fit for 2016.

"He's got a huge ceiling," Balsley said.

For now, Edwards is trying his best not to worry about next season or where he might fit.

"I feel the expectations I have for myself are to go out and do the best I can. I'm not trying to put too much pressure on myself," he said.