Vincent proving effective despite injuries

MILWAUKEE -- It might come as a surprise that since 2012, Padres reliever Nick Vincent has the second-lowest earned-run average (1.57) among pitchers with at least 45 innings.

But San Diego pitching coach Darren Balsley was not stunned by this in the least.

"He's not flying under our radar at all," Balsley said.

Vincent entered Wednesday's game against the Brewers with a 1.37 ERA in 19 2/3 innings this season. Combine that with his 1.71 ERA in 26 1/3 innings last season, and only Braves reliever Craig Kimbrel has a lower ERA (1.17).

"He has got a legitimate Major League pitch in his cutter, and he's at the point where we can trust him," Balsley said. "His cutter is good. His challenge now is when and if he needs to use his other pitches."

Vincent has allowed runs in just two of his 18 appearances since being recalled from Triple-A Tucson on June 11.

Balsley said Vincent's cut-fastball might look like a slider to some because of its lateral movement, but it is, indeed, a cutter.

Vincent has been sidelined by injuries in Spring Training in each of the last two seasons, which has slowed his progress and kept him from joining the Padres until midseason. In 2012, he severely sprained his left ankle stepping on a ball. This spring, he sustained inflamed tendons in his right forearm.