Justin

Germano

With Dennis Tankersley struggling in the role and Andy Ashby not ready to return, Germano may get a shot to help the Padres down the stretch. If he does get the start, it will come in Denver so we can’t recommend picking Germano up under those circumstances.

The Padres are still calling the injury that forced Germano from Sunday’s game a strain. He should be ready to compete for a job next spring.

Working as a reliever in the sixth, Germano gave up hits to the two batters he faced, then grabbed at his elbow and was removed from the game. Manager Bruce Bochy said the initial diagnosis was a mild strain. “He didn’t hear anything pop, which is a good thing,” GM Kevin Towers said.

His scoreless streak was snapped at 23 innings Sunday. Before Germano’s two July shutouts, the last blanking by a Portland pitcher was 3 1/2 years ago.

Germano, who just made a spot start for the Reds on Saturday, was 8-6 with a 3.69 ERA, 124 H and 67/22 K/BB in 117 IP for Triple-A Louisville. The subpar strikeout rate in the result of a below average fastball, but he has a plus curve and decent change, giving him a chance to be a fifth starter. The Phillies could plus him into their rotation soon, though it’s doubtful that he’ll have fantasy value when it happens.

Germano gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings Saturday in a spot start against the Brewers.

Germano made one appearance in a week with the club, pitching a scoreless inning on May 30.

Germano was 3-6 with a 4.66 ERA in 10 starts at Louisville. He’ll be used in middle relief.

Germano didn’t show anything in his two starts, so he might be bounced from the rotation. Brian Sweeney should be next in line. Andy Ashby probably isn’t capable of going five innings right now.

He shouldn’t be in any fantasy lineups anyhow.