Shaky spring a distant memory for sharp Torres

WASHINGTON -- With two scoreless innings Wednesday against the Brewers, Padres left-handed reliever Alex Torres lowered his ERA to a scant 1.00 over nine innings this season.

If he's just now finally starting to settle in after a somewhat chaotic spring, that makes perfect sense to his manager, Bud Black.

"I do think there was something to him getting a late start coming in from Venezuela, coming to a new team, trying to get acclimated to new teammates," Black said. "Then he got off to a start that was not ideal."

Visa issues in his native Venezuela waylaid Torres' arrival in Arizona for Spring Training. He finally got to Peoria on Feb. 25, 12 days after the rest of the pitchers and catchers reported to camp. The lefty struggled in early games, posting a 7.88 ERA with seven walks in eight innings.

The regular season has certainly brought Torres more success, as he's allowed one run in 10 outings. The lefty has given up six hits and six walks in nine innings, while striking out six. He's walked just one in his last three outings.

On Wednesday, Torres needed 28 pitches -- including 17 strikes -- to get six outs against the Brewers. He didn't allow a hit or a walk.

"I hope he's in 65, 70 games, and the results are like that," Black said.