Padres Claim RHP Neshek Off Waivers From Twins
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (AP) -- The San Diego Padres claimed right-hander Pat Neshek off waivers from the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.
The club also optioned outfielder Luis Durango and right-hander Samuel Deduno to Triple-A Tucson on Sunday.
Neshek was 11-6 with a 3.05 ERA in 132 relief appearances over parts of four seasons (2006-08, 10) with the Twins. He had 151 strikeouts, averaging 1.16 strikeouts per inning pitched. Neshek had a 4.26 ERA with five strikeouts in six relief appearances for the Twins this spring.
Neshek went 7-2 with a 2.94 ERA in 2007, emerging as a reliable late-inning reliever. But arm problems derailed him after that. He has appeared in just 26 games over the last three seasons. He missed all of 2009 after Tommy John surgery and has struggled with other arm issues since coming back.
Durango hit .280 (7 for 25) with four stolen bases in 15 spring games for the Padres.
Deduno was 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA in six relief appearances, striking out 12 and walking four.
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