Padres replenish bullpen with Bass, Boxberger

SAN DIEGO -- Clayton Richard's start on Friday lasted just two pitches before he felt discomfort in his left shoulder, leaving it up to the Padres' bullpen to finish the game.

The relievers answered and combined to hold the Dodgers to two runs over nine innings, but the Padres used both of their long relief options, Tim Stauffer and Tyson Ross, in the process.

So the Friars made roster moves on Saturday to add some extra arms to the bullpen, recalling relievers Anthony Bass and Brad Boxberger from Triple-A Tucson. To make room for them on the roster, the Padres placed Richard on the disabled list with a left shoulder strain and optioned outfielder Jeff Decker down to Tucson.

Bass was a starter while in Tucson, and he was scheduled to start on Saturday. He is making his second stint with the Padres this season. After starting with the club Opening Day, he was optioned to Tucson on May 30, and since then has gone 1-1 with a 9.18 ERA with 16 strikeouts and four walks.

With the Padres this season, Bass posted a 4.55 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 13 walks.

"He gives us the needed length that we need," manager Bud Black said.

Boxberger is coming off two days' rest and could go multiple innings if the Padres need him.

This is his third string with the Padres this season, previously being optioned back to Triple-A on June 8. Over 21 relief appearances at Tucson, he was 0-3 with a 4.76 ERA, with 45 strikeouts and 12 walks.

"Just repeating mechanics was probably the main thing, and being able to utilize my changeup more," Boxberger said about what he was working on in Triple-A.

During his time with the Padres this season, Boxberger has allowed three runs in 7 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts.

The new bullpen arms give the Padres a chance to give some of their relievers a break to save them from being overworked, mainly Dale Thayer and Luke Gregerson. Both relievers have pitched in 35 games this season, tied for 10th in the National League for most appearances.

"The byproduct of wining is usually your best relievers pitch, and that's why you're winning," said Black. "These guys get a little tired."