Padres option Quackenbush back to Triple-A

WASHINGTON -- Reliever Kevin Quackenbush's stay in the big leagues was a short one, though that was not entirely surprising.

Quackenbush, who was added to the 25-man roster on Friday for reinforcements, was optioned Sunday to Triple-A El Paso when the Padres reinstated outfielder Cameron Maybin from the 15-day disabled list.

Quackenbush appeared in one game, allowing two runs on 1 2/3 innings in the Padres' loss on Friday to the Nationals. The team needed a 13th pitcher because of two 12-inning games in the last week, and Quackenbush was summoned from Triple-A.

"It felt good to get my feet wet and get the first one [appearance] out of the way," Quackenbush said. "It was very exciting to be here."

Quackenbush flew Sunday to El Paso, where the Padres' Triple-A affiliate was to open its new ballpark on Monday.

Manager Bud Black said Quackenbush held his own in his first stint in the big leagues.

"The first time is a great experience," Black said. "He's passed a lot of the Minor League tests, which helped earn him a promotion. For him, it's continuing to pitch well in Triple-A. But there's a lot to like about him. He didn't scare off, and he threw strikes."