Jose

Torres

Torres was outrighted to Triple-A El Paso earlier Wednesday, but that was only a technicality, as the Padres had planned to release the 25-year-old all along. He was suspended for 100 games in 2018 after being charged with various crimes including assault with a deadly weapon, intimidation, and possession of marijuana. It’s unlikely that Torres sees significant interest on the open market.

Torres was pushed off the Padres’ 40-man roster at the end of the regular season after completing a 100-game suspension stemming from charges of assault with a deadly weapon, intimidation, criminal damage, and possession of marijuana. It’s unclear at this point what the future holds for the 25-year-old left-handed reliever.

Torres did not appear in a major league game in 2018 after an offseason incident that resulted in charges of assault with a deadly weapon, intimidation, criminal damage, and possession of marijuana. Major League Baseball suspended him for 100 games in early June -- a suspension that lasted until the end of the 2018 regular season. The 25-year-old left-handed reliever holds a 4.04 ERA and 66/18 K/BB ratio in 71 1/3 career major league innings.

Torres is receiving his first taste of major league action with Wednesday’s promotion. The 22-year-old southpaw had pitched to a sharp 2.24 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 63/23 K/BB ratio (64 1/3 innings) between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A prior to getting the call-up. He probably won’t see high-leverage work with the Padres over the last week-plus of the season.

Padres’ manager Andy Green had already used up Brandon Maurer, Brad Hand and Ryan Buchter before the Padres took the lead in the top half of the 12th, so it was Torres who got the call to protect the lead. The young southpaw responded by retiring all three hitters he faced in order with little difficulty.

Torrens exited Wednesday’s appearance after taking a line drive off his right wrist, but he’s fine. The left-hander holds a 5.40 ERA but a terrific 20/1 K/BB ratio over 15 relief innings this season.

Torres was checked out on the mound by trainer Rogow and then left the game after recording one out in the eighth inning. The Padres should provide an update on the exact nature of his injury after the conclusion of Wednesday’s game.

The 22-year-old southpaw is now protected from next month’s Rule 5 draft. He spent most of the 2015 season at Class-A Beloit where he compiled a terrific 2.69 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 80/23 K/BB ratio in 73 2/3 innings.

Torres began his career as a starter and posted some underwhelming numbers, but he enjoyed some success with a move to the bullpen this past season. The 22-year-old posted a 2.56 ERA and 84/24 K/BB ratio in 77 1/3 innings between Class A Beliot and High-A Stockton and was recently added to Oakland’s 40-man roster. He could turn into a useful reliever for San Diego.

Torres was already on the restricted list after being charged last December with assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage, and intimidation following a domestic violence incident. He has a hearing June 18 and a trial is scheduled for July 2, although it’s possible the case will be settled before then.