Richard to take one more rehab start before return

SAN DIEGO -- Padres left-hander Clayton Richard tossed six innings of one-run ball Thursday night for Triple-A Tucson against the Iowa Cubs. He threw 85 pitches -- 64 strikes -- in his first rehab start since he was placed on the disabled list with an intestinal virus earlier this month. He struck out eight batters and walked none.

Before he makes his return to the big league club, Richard will pitch another rehab game in Triple-A on Tuesday in Omaha, Padres manager Bud Black said.

"He feels good about where he is right now, how his arm feels and how he feels physically in general, from the whole bad virus he contracted," Black said.

Richard has struggled this season to the tune of an 0-4 record and an 8.54 ERA in six starts. During his time on the disabled list, he worked on his mechanics, making sure his arm angle was more over-the-top.

"He feels comfortable, he's taken to it," Black said. "He feels as though he's got better action down on his sinker -- not horizontal, and I think his slider has better spin."