According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, the San Diego Padres have decided on a lefty for the pen to take the place of the injured Joe Thatcher.
The lefty? Cesar Ramos. Ramos got a taste of the major leagues in 5 appearances late last year for the Padres, 2 as a starter. Now he will be the loogy coming out of the pen until Thatcher returns from the DL.
Ramos was a 1st round draft pick by the Padres in 2005, but has largely been a disappointment as a starter in 5 seasons in the minors. He impressed the Padres staff in a relief role in spring training this year giving up just 2 hits in 17 at bats to left handed hitters.
To make room for Ramos the Padres optioned Adam Russell to AAA Portland.
To make room for Matt Stairs, the Padres will have to drop a pitcher from the 40 man roster and expose that player to waivers.
