Short hops

• Manager Bud Black liked what he saw from right-handed pitcher Tyson Ross on Saturday, as Ross allowed two runs in two innings with two strikeouts. Ross topped out at 96 mph and offered a 90-mph changeup -- a pitch Black would like to see him ease up on in terms of velocity. Otherwise, there was a lot to like.

"It's a big arm," Black said. "Tyson, like every pitcher, has got to command the fastball."

• Black was asked Sunday if he was pleased with the depth of starting pitching candidates in camp -- a number that nearly reaches double digits. He nodded, with one caveat.

"That's how I felt last year," he said.

The Padres, of course, had numerous health issues with starting pitchers early last season. How bad was it? The team eventually cobbled together 59 starts out of pitchers who weren't on the 40-man roster on Opening Day.

• Freddy Garcia wasn't the only rotation hopeful who had a tough time on Sunday. Casey Kelly, who made his Major League debut last season, allowed three runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings. Kelly walked one and struck out two.

"The first time out, he wasn't locating the ball," Black said.

• Black praised the work of reliever Fautino De Los Santos, who was claimed off waivers from the Brewers earlier this month. De Los Santos struck out three and allowed one hit over two scoreless innings. De Los Santos was around 92-93 mph with his fastball and showed a good slider at times. Relievers Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer each tossed a scoreless inning, as well.