Torres to miss first workout with visa issues

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Only one pitcher will miss the Padres' first workout for pitchers and catchers on Friday.

Left-hander Alex Torres, who was obtained from the Rays last month in a seven-player trade, won't likely arrive in Peoria until next week after having visa issues in his native Venezuela.

Torres won't likely miss but a handful of early throwing sessions, but that won't be detrimental to him, especially since the team will be in Peoria for six weeks before breaking camp. Also, he's a reliever and won't need the requisite innings to build his arm strength as if he was a starter.

Torres is expected to handle a big role in the revamped bullpen that also includes righty Joaquin Benoit, who will handle the eighth inning and spell closer Huston Street if needed.

A year ago, Torres was able to handle righties (.149 batting average against) as well as lefties (.175). Because of that, he's not viewed as a left-handed specialist. The team could carry a second lefty in its seven-man bullpen.

On Friday, the team will have 29 pitchers and six catchers in camp. Some pitchers, including prospects Matt Wisler and Jesse Hahn -- who like Torres was acquired from the Rays -- will throw off a mound.