Torres remains in Venezuela awaiting visa

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Another Spring Training workout passed Thursday without an Alex Torres sighting, though Padres manager Bud Black said he wasn't overly worried about the left-handed reliever's delayed start to camp.

Torres remains in his native Venezuela because he had to apply for a new visa since his employer changed last month when he was traded from the Rays to the Padres.

There's still a chance Torres could arrive this weekend, though next week is a safer bet. The Padres will open Cactus League play on Feb. 27, but Black said there's still plenty of time for Torres to get his work in before the team breaks camp the last week of March.

"He has the window of time to get ready for the start of the season," Black said. "From the physical side, we're still in good shape."

If Torres was still a starting pitcher -- as he was in the Minor Leagues -- that might give Black and the staff some cause for concern.

"Those guys in the rotation, those starting pitchers, need the full six weeks," Black said.