Padres pointing toward weekend to set roster

PEORIA, Ariz. -- It appears the Padres will wait until Friday or Saturday to set their 25-man roster for the start of the regular season on Sunday against the Dodgers.

While it's likely that left-handed pitcher Robbie Erlin will be the No. 5 starter, there's still some spots up for grabs.

Since the Padres aren't going to carry a second lefty reliever, Donn Roach appears to have won a job as a second middle-to-long reliever, along with Tim Stauffer.

However, what is not as clear is how many catchers the Padres will initially carry on the roster and how the bench sets up.

Yasmani Grandal, less than nine months removed from ACL surgery on his right knee, has advanced to the point where he's been able to catch nine innings in a game.

Grandal could make the roster with Nick Hundley. But the team also likes Rene Rivera, who is out of Minor League options and figures to be scooped up by a team looking for a strong defensive catcher who can handle a staff as well.

If the Padres keep three catchers and then later try to option one to Triple-A El Paso, that will be much easier to do after the season starts when teams have set their roster.

The five-man bench appears to be infielder Alexi Amarista, the two catchers aside from the starter and outfielder Tommy Medica, though veteran Xavier Nady is in the running as well.

Black said Saturday, when the team faces the Indians in the second game of an exhibition series at the the University of San Diego, is the day when the final roster could be announced.