Aaron

Northcraft

Northcraft re-signed with the Padres on a minor league contract back in March and has been released after compiling a serviceable 3.16 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 20/21 K/BB ratio across 31 1/3 innings (30 appearances) this season for Triple-A El Paso. The 32-year-old righty made five relief appearances last year for the Padres.

Northcraft appeared to roll his ankle after just one pitch. There should be an update on his status before the end of the day.

Northcraft was released by the Padres last July after appearing in five games at the major-league level during the 2021 season. The 31-year-old righty struggled in those outings, yielding two runs on five hits with a 5/8 K/BB ratio across eight innings of work. He’ll bolster the Padres’ minor-league relief depth, likely at Triple-A El Paso, to open the 2022 season.

Northcraft was designated for assignment on Friday, and after clearing waivers he’s been given his walking papers. The right-hander appeared in five games this year for San Diego with an ERA of 2.25 by allowing two runs in eight innings. It seems likely Northcraft finds a new landing spot soon.

The Padres made a flurry of roster moves on Friday evening and needed to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Reiss Knehr to be summoned from Double-A San Antonio to make an emergency spot start. He could remain with the organization if he clears waivers.

Northcraft was recalled on Saturday to be a fresh arm in the San Diego bullpen and tossed two scoreless innings. The 31-year-old will head back to Triple-A for the time being but should be an option to return once there is a need.

Northcraft has been summoned to give the Padres a fresh bullpen arm for Saturday afternoon’s matchup against the Astros. The 31-year-old righty has allowed two runs on four hits with a 5/6 K/BB ratio over six innings (four appearances) at the major-league level this season.

Northcraft has allowed two runs over six relief innings this season. Nabil Crismatt will take his spot in the bullpen.

Nabil Crismatt was optioned to the alternate site in a corresponding move. Northcraft, 30, pitched well in Cactus League action, hurling 3 1/3 scoreless innings with a 0.90 WHIP and 4/2 K/BB ratio. Provided he gets into a game with the Padres, it will be his big league debut after toiling in the minor leagues for 10 seasons.

The 30-year-old hurler signed a minor league deal with the Marlins prior to the start of spring training in 2020, but never cracked the big league roster. He pitched very well across three minor league levels for the Mariners in 2019, compiling a 2.03 ERA, 0.925 WHIP and 39/13 K/BB ratio across 40 innings. He’ll add minor league bullpen depth for the Padres.