Padres News: Padres Claim LHP Keith Hessler from D-Backs
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The San Diego Padres made another claim as the team has acquired left-handed pitcher Keith Hessler off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The lefty was a 28th round selection for the D-Backs in the 2010 draft. He made his major league debut with the team last season.
Hessler is yet another left-handed pitcher added to the team. Something that the Padres have seemingly done a 180degree view of from last season. At one point in 2015 the Padres total team was right handed throwing. Only Will Venable threw from the left side and there were many jokes that A.J. Preller doesn’t particularly like lefties.
It appears he now adores them as Hessler is added to a squad that already has Brad Hand, Drew Pomeranz, Ryan Buchter on it. The Padres also have Buddy Baumann, Robbie Erlin and Matt Thornton injured on their 40-man roster (Baumann was recently added to 60-day D.L.)
Padres claim LHP Keith Hessler off waivers from AZ. No corresponding move announced.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) May 10, 2016
The Padres have not announced a corresponding move for the addition of Hessler. A move should be made in the next few days. Perhaps in time for the Brewers series which starts on Thursday.
A.J. Preller is being very aggressive in acquiring talent this year. You have to believe that the Padres will be an active team when the trade deadline opens. The Padres are currently designing their team with character players that fit the mold of the type of play they desire. Andy Green has a big say in whom they attain and Padres fans are already seeing some benefits of an Andy Green led team.
Hessler is a big hard throwing lefty. He has yet to have success at the major league level but at the age of 27, he could still have a decent career as a situational lefty out of the pen. He has a career minor league record of 23-16 with a 4.12 ERA. He has struck out 415 batters in his 397 minor league innings pitched, so he does have the ability to strike batters out. It will be interesting to see how the Padres use him.
The Padres have claimed LHP Keith Hessler off waivers from the D-backs. The 27-year-old reliever has an 8.22 ERA in 15.1 IP in the majors.
— Dennis Lin (@sdutdennislin) May 10, 2016
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