Quackenbush garners fifth call up of season
DENVER -- Oh, to be a pitcher on the 40-man roster with Minor League options. This certainly isn't a bad life for reliever Kevin Quackenbush, who rejoined the Padres before Saturday's game in Colorado.
This is already Quackenbush's fifth stint with the Padres this season. He was added to the roster on Thursday when the team needed him as the 26th man on the roster for the second game of a doubleheader against the Reds.
Quackenbush flew Friday from Cincinnati to El Paso, where the Padres' Triple-A affiliate is, only to get a text from manager Pat Murphy that he was heading back to the big leagues.
In three outings for the Padres, Quackenbush has allowed two earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. He hasn't allowed a run in each of his last two outings -- May 9 against the Marlins and Thursday against the Reds.
Typically, a player on the 40-man roster is allotted three Minor League option years. He can be sent to the Minor Leagues and recalled as often as needed over those three option years.
The player has to remain in the Minor Leagues for 10 days upon being optioned unless he's recalled to replace a player on the disabled list, paternity leave or the bereavement list. He can also be recalled prior to 10 days if being used as the 26th man on a roster for a doubleheader.