Padres News: Padres Add Another Lefty Pitcher in Brad Hand
The San Diego Padres have made another waiver claim as the team has claimed left-handed pitcher Brad Hand from the Florida Marlins. Hand was designated for assignment on Sunday and was not likely going to make it through waivers.
Brad Hand has five years of major league experience and that should benefit the Padres. All his major league time has been with the Marlins after he made his debut with the team in 2011 at the age of 21. The former second round pick in 2008 has been up and down from the minors several times and was just out of minor league options. The Marlins surely had a difficult decision in letting him go.
Hand has a career record of 9-25 with an ERA of 4.71 in 288 innings pitched. He was 4-7 last year in 38 games (12 starts) with a 5.30 ERA. He has had trouble getting right handed batters out recently and needs to refine his off speed pitches. Darren Balsley could help this young man.
Padres claim LHP Brand Hand off waivers from the Marlins.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) April 8, 2016
More left-handed pitchers are on the way. It seems like a common theme recently as the Padres have collected left handers in recent months. With Drew Pomeranz, Robbie Erlin, Ryan Buchter, Buddy Baumann and Matt Thornton on the roster, the Padres have plenty of options when it comes to left-handed arms. Adding Hand to this list only makes the Padres stronger.
Brad Hand and his role with the team has not been determined just yet. He can pitch out of the rotation or in the bullpen. With Matt Thornton’s injury, the Padres could choose to allow Hand to assume his role on the team. Robbie Erlin pitched really well in his first appearance on Friday so it will be difficult optioning him back to El Paso.
The Padres could eventually try to pass hand through waivers like they did with Dan Straily a couple of weeks ago. Straily was obtained from the Astros for Erik Kratz and then the team attempted to pass him through the waiver system. The Cincinnati Reds put in a claim on Straily and he is now on their 25-man roster. It’s totally clear what A.J. Preller is doing in claiming Hand, but the left hander is a decent pitcher. He could be useful out of the bullpen against left-handed hitters.
Hand’s exact role in the bullpen is TBD, by the way. Green noted he’s done a little bit of everything.
— Dennis Lin (@sdutdennislin) April 9, 2016
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.
His numbers certainly aren’t very impressive.