Ross Ohlendorf Opts Out of Contract With Boston Red Sox, Signs with San Diego Padres

The slew of injuries that have besieged the San Diego Padres – they lead the league in players to have hit the disabled

list – make them the perfect fit for a player like Ross Ohlendorf.  Ohlendorf was on a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox, but he was looking for more.  The Padres offered him more.  To fill the void in the pitching, Ohlendorf signed a Major League deal with San Diego, but for now he will be pitching out of the bullpen.

To make room for the new addition, the Padres designated Matt Palmer.  Palmer had made three appearances for San Diego and was 0-0 with a 9.00 ERA.

Ohlendorf was pitching for the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate in Pawtucket.  He was 4-3 with a 4.61 ERA in 10 starts.  Ohlendorf has Major League experience though, which the Padres need.  They recently used Jeff Suppan, the aging veteran, to fill in for some time.  Unfortunately, after a decent start, Suppan fell back to earth and was sent back to Triple-A Tucson.  Ohlendorf owns a career Major League record of 14-28 over five seasons with the Yankees and the Pirates.  His career 4.77 ERA leaves much to be desired, but the Padres are in no position to be picky.  They need someone who can eat up innings.

From Ohlendorf’s perspective, this is an opportunity to prove he belongs in the big leagues.  From the Padres side, this is simply a necessity.  By no means does the club see Ohlendorf as a long-term solution to their pitching woes.  They’ve already gone out and claimed Eric Stults from the White Sox, used the aforementioned Jeff Suppan, and in total have seen nine different pitchers make starts for them this season.

According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the Padres were interested in signing Ohlendorf before spring training, but they went with Suppan instead.  Now, they have both.  The exact figures for the contract were not immediately known, but it is likely a single year contract at or near league minimum salary.