Adys

Portillo

He’s now protected from the Rule 5 Draft. Portillo, one of the Padres’ big international signings a few years back, posted a 3.34 ERA with 107 strikeouts over 126 2/3 innings between Low- and Double-A this season.

No surprise cuts here. Portillo, who was one of the Padres’ big international signings a few years back, posted a 3.34 ERA with 107 strikeouts over 126 2/3 innings between Low- and Double-A last season.

Portillo has been sidelined due to triceps tenderness and a strained lat muscle, but he has made it through two bullpen sessions without incident. He’s expected to pitch in extended spring training before joining a minor league affiliate. The 21-year-old right-hander had a 3.34 ERA and 107/70 K/BB ratio over 126 2/3 innings last season between Class A Fort Wayne and Double-A San Antonio. He could still have a future as a starter if he improves his control.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the recently signed Joaquin Benoit. The 22-year-old battled a plethora of arm and lat injuries during the 2013 season, limiting him to just three starts for Class A Fort Wayne.

Portillo cleared waivers after being designated for assignment by the Padres late last month. The 22-year-old was limited to just three starts in the minors last season due to injury.

Portillo has allowed two extra base hits for the season, and was particularly dominant in May, limiting opposing batters to a .146/.226/.146 line while allowing just seven singles and five walks while striking out 21 batters in 14 2/3 innings. Portillo was once viewed as having the potential to be a frontline starter, but has pitched exclusively in relief in 2014. It is unclear if his move to the bullpen will be permanent, or if the Padres are using it as a way to keep him healthy after missing nearly all of 2013 with a variety of arm and lat injuries. He has the arsenal to be a dominating closer, so this could be a good career move for the former top prospect.

No real surprises among the first group of cuts, per usual. The 22-year-old Portillo dealt with a wide array of arm and lat injuries, limiting him to only three starts during the 2013 season.

The Padres are believed to have spent $5 million on the international signings. $2 million went to Portillo, who was viewed as the No. 2 pitching prospect available behind Michael Inoa. He’s a 16-year-old already throwing in the low-90s. Domoromo was the next most sought after of the five 16-year-olds. None of the prospects here will move quickly at all, but the Padres gave their weak farm system a significant boost with the additions.