Ryan

Ketchner

Ketchner, acquired from the Mariners for Jolbert Cabrera a couple of years ago, underwent Tommy John surgery and didn’t pitch this season. He’ll remain in the organization if he clears waivers.

Postseason roster transaction. Ketchner won’t pitch for the Padres in September.

Parrish picked an odd place to sign, as the Jays already have Scott Downs and Brian Tallet assured spots as bullpen lefties, not to mention B.J. Ryan on the way back. There were plenty of clubs he would have had a better chance of making. Carter is back in the U.S. after posting a 4.48 ERA in 86 1/3 innings for the Orix Blue Wave last season.

The 26-year-old Vermilyea figures to get an extended look in middle relief someday, but it probably won’t happen with Toronto. He pitched six scoreless innings for the Blue Jays last season and still never saw the majors during the final four months.

Ketchner might yet have bottom-of-the-rotation potential, depending on how his stuff comes back. He’ll likely spend all of this year in the minors.

Even though he’s done an outstanding job, Ketchner, acquired from the Mariners in the Jolbert Cabrera deal, is still being overshadowed by Andrew Brown, Jonathan Broxton and Chad Billingsley. The Dodgers are going to have little trouble putting together an attractive package of arms if they need to further upgrade their offense in July.

Ketchner was an intriguing prospect a couple of years ago, but he missed 2005 following Tommy John surgery and was only able to throw 26 2/3 innings last season, though he did have a 1.69 ERA. While the Padres are giving him a major league contract, this isn’t a signing with 2007 in mind. Ketchner, who turns 25 in April, figures to spend the entire year in the minors. He doesn’t have any service time, so the Padres will retain his rights for six years if they’d like. He might be a decent fifth starter or middle reliever by 2008.

Ketchner, who was limited to 26 2/3 innings last year after missing all of 2005 following Tommy John surgery, allowed one run in four innings this spring. He probably won’t contribute this season, but the Padres signed him to a major league deal in November for a reason.