Joe

Paterson

Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz hit back-to-back homers off him. Paterson did nice work as a lefty specialist for the Diamondbacks as a Rule 5 pick last year, but this is the fourth time in six appearances this season that he’s been charged with at least one run. Overall, he’s allowed a whopping 15 hits in 2 2/3 innings. A demotion to Triple-A is likely in the cards.

He’s hardly going out on a limb there, as Paterson has allowed 11 runs on 15 hits and three walks over just 2 2/3 innings this season, resulting in a stunningly bad 37.13 ERA. Gambadoro also expects left-hander Mike Zagurski to take his place on the roster.

John Gambadoro of 620 KTAR speculated as much earlier Tuesday while adding that struggling reliever Joe Paterson is likely to be demoted to Triple-A Reno. Zagurski has an ugly 6.82 ERA over 37 relief appearances in the majors, but has a strong minor league track record, including a 2.00 ERA and 7/2 K/BB ratio over nine innings at the Triple-A level so far this year.

Paterson has surrendered 15 hits and 11 runs in just 2 2/3 innings this season. The Snakes will hope for better out of left-hander Mike Zagurski, who was recalled from Triple-A Reno in a corresponding roster move.

Paterson was a key piece of the big league bullpen in 2011 but was a mess in his short stint with them this year. He’ll try to win a spot in the pen next spring.

He’ll serve as the second lefty in the pen while Matt Reynolds is out. Paterson held a 2.36 ERA while striking out over a batter per inning at Triple-A before his recall.

The move clears a spot for Aaron Hill’s return from the disabled list. Paterson made two appearances with the Diamondbacks and returns to a 2.36 ERA in the minors.

Paterson was competing for a left-handed specialist role in camp, but the Diamondbacks will stash him in the minors to start the season. Tony Sipp and Matt Reynolds are now locks for the Opening Day bullpen.

Paterson posted a 5.68 ERA over 12 relief appearances at Triple-A Omaha this season. The 29-year-old has spent time in the majors in each of the last four seasons and shouldn’t be out of a job long.

Paterson was cut loose by the Royals recently after holding a 5.68 ERA over 12 relief appearances at Triple-A Omaha. He’ll provide some lefty relief depth for the A’s.