Padres recall RHP Burch Smith from Triple-A Tucson and option RHP Brad Boxberger to Tucson

The San Diego Padres today announced that they have recalled right-handed pitcher Burch Smith from Triple-A Tucson to take the roster spot vacated when right-handed pitcher Brad Boxberger was optioned to Triple-A Tucson. Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement.

Smith, 23, posted a 2-0 record with a 2.70 ERA (3 ER, 10.0 IP) and nine strikeouts for AAA Tucson after being optioned. In his first stint for San Diego, he made three starts, going 0-1 with an 18.41 ERA (15 ER, 7.1 IP) and 11 strikeouts. Before being selected to the Majors the first time, he was 1-2 with a 1.15 ERA (4 ER, 31.1 IP) and 37 strikeouts in six starts for Double-A San Antonio. He was named the Padres minor league Pitcher of the Month in April when he was 1-2 with a 1.38 ERA (4 ER, 26.0 IP) over five starts. In April he was second in the Texas League in ERA and WHIP (0.73) and limited hitters to a .163 opponents batting average (15-for-92), also second in the Texas League. In his minor league career, he is 12-8 with a 3.30 ERA (63 ER, 172.0 IP) with 187 strikeouts in 36 appearances including 34 starts. He was originally selected by the Padres in the 14th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Oklahoma.

Boxberger, 25, was 0-1, 3.52 ERA (3 ER, 7.2 IP) with nine strikeouts in two stints with the Padres this season. He has made 17 relief appearances with Tucson this season, going 0-3 with a 5.73 ERA (14 ER, 22.0 IP) with 31 strikeouts. He was recalled the first time on May 2 (optioned May 10). He made his Major League debut with the Padres last season, appearing in 24 games with San Diego during four stints with the club. He recorded 33 strikeouts against 18 walks in his 24 games overall, posting 10.7 strikeouts per 9.0 IP and a .222 (22-for-99) opponent batting average while holding right-handed hitters to a .208 (11-for-53) average and lefties to a .239 (11-for-46) average for San Diego. Boxberger was acquired from Cincinnati along with RHP Edinson Volquez, INF Yonder Alonso and C Yasmani Grandal in exchange for RHP Mat Latos, December 17, 2011.