With a little over a week until the regular season, the Padres made more roster moves over the weekend.
On Saturday the team optioned right-hander Brad Boxberger to Triple-A Tucson. They also reassigned infielders Jeudy Valdez and Jonathon Galvez, along with lefty Arturo Lopez to Minor League Camp.
Boxberger, who is on the 40-man roster, had a 4.50 Cactus League ERA and gave up one home run in eight spring outings. The So-Cal native pitched in 24 Big League games for the Padres in 2012.
On Sunday, the Padres sent right-handed pitcher (and Ramona native) Nick Vincent to Tucson and released righty Freddy Garcia.
Vincent made his MLB debut last year with his home-town team. In 27 appearances, he went 2-0 with a 1.71 ERA and a dazzling 28 strikeouts (against just 7 walks).
Garcia is a former All-Star who came to Spring Training on a minor league deal. He was trying to earn a spot in the starting rotation, but after allowing three home runs to the Rockies on Saturday night pushed his Spring ERA to 8.71, the Padres decided to let him go.
Tyson Ross is now the frontrunner to earn the 5th starter's job. Andrew Cashner is still in the mix, as well.
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San Diego still has 39 players in Major League camp. Only 25 will make the Opening Day roster. Their last game at the Peoria Sports Complex is Thursday against the Indians before they play the Rangers in two final exhibition games in San Antonio.
The Padres open the 2013 regular season in the Big Apple against the Mets on April 1. After a three-game series in Colorado the Padres open at PETCO against the Dodgers on April 9.
