Padres set with current crop of players

GM Preller doesn't expect any adds before start of regular season

February 21st, 2017

PHOENIX -- There's already plenty of competition for roster spots in Padres camp. But don't expect more names to be added to the mix before Opening Day.
Speaking at Tuesday's Cactus League Media Day at the Arizona Biltmore, general manager A.J. Preller said he doesn't foresee any Major League transactions in the near future.
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"For the most part, we're going to go in as is and try to find our 25-man group from our team that's in camp right now," Preller said.
It appears as though , who finalized a one-year deal Sunday, will be the Padres' last addition of the offseason. But Preller added his usual caveat: "You never say never."
More than anything, Preller said he's eager to watch the spring competitions unfold. He noted that and have their places on the roster locked in, but the remainder is wide open.
"Those two guys are going to have spots," Preller said. "From that point forward, it's going to be: Who else wants to earn an opportunity? It should be a fun camp to watch."
Options for the bullpen
Manager Andy Green added a bit of clarity to the Padres' pitching situation Tuesday, noting that a few starters might be up for bullpen roles if they don't crack the rotation.
The Padres' skipper mentioned , , and as potential relief candidates.

Meanwhile, it appears to be rotation or bust for , and . The Padres view them as starting options only. And if they don't make the big league club, they'll most likely open the year as starters for Triple-A El Paso.
Otsuka returns
Former Padres reliever Akinori Otsuka has returned to the organization and will serve as the Triple-A bullpen coach.
"He's got great energy," Green said. "It's great to have him around. He's going to be in the bullpen in Triple-A this year, and you just immediately see what quality of a person he is. Obviously I remember him well as a pitcher, but to have him around, it's another great presence in Triple-A for our guys."
Otsuka posted a 2.57 ERA in 139 appearances for the Padres in 2004 and '05.
Back still hampering Dickerson
Left fielder Alex Dickerson missed his second consecutive workout due to back stiffness, though Green downplayed any long-term concerns.
Meanwhile, right-hander was again limited because of a slight tweak to his left hamstring.