Jack

Cassel

With off days Thursday and Monday, using Peavy tomorrow allows the Padres to go without a fifth starter until Sept. 15. Jack Cassel will be used out of the bullpen until then.

The Padres seem to come up with quality relievers at will, but the 28-year-old Cassel has subpar stuff and an unexceptional track record. While his Triple-A ERA was 3.54, that came with a 1.49 WHIP and a .305 average against in 19 2/3 innings. It’s unlikely that he’ll be an asset.

That was quick. Cassel gave up two runs in three innings of relief Friday in his major league debut.

Doug Brocail, Heath Bell and Trevor Hoffman finished the 3-0 game. It’s the Padres’ 20th shutout. Boston has the next most with 13. The 27-year-old Cassel was making just his second start and fourth major league appearance. He might get another turn next week, but the Padres could also go with Brett Tomko, who impressed in his spot start last week.

The Padres still could use Germano as their fourth starter if they make it to the postseason, but they want to give him a break now. Jack Cassel will start Monday.

The 27-year-old Cassel made a relief appearance for the Padres earlier this month. A strong showing could make him the Padres’ fifth starter the rest of the way, but he’s not a very good bet.

The decision went to Doug Brocail. Cassel was effective despite giving up 10 hits. Fortunately, eight were singles, and Jeff Kent was thrown out trying to stretch one of the two doubles into a triple. Also, he walked just one. The performance could earn him another start next week.

Cassel will make a spot start versus the Dodgers tonight. If he’s successful, he could remain in the rotation. Still, he’s a long shot to have any fantasy value.

The two pitchers, neither of whom were eligible for arbitration, could be offered minor league deals. We still like Ensberg as a possible regular third baseman, though it seems few major league teams feel the same way. Perhaps the Twins will bring him in to compete for their opening. Lane figures to end up as a fourth or fifth outfielder somewhere.

It’s surprising to see Cassel get a major league deal, but the Astros had plenty of spots available after all of their recent moves. The 28-year-old Cassel had a 3.97 ERA in four starts and two relief appearances for the Padres last season. He might get a chance to claim a spot in middle relief, but he’s not much more than another Dave Borkowski.