Stults could lock up rotation spot for Padres

Aug 18, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Eric Stults (53) pitches during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into Monday’s match-up against the Texas Rangers, only two spots in the starting pitching rotation had been filled for the San Diego Padres. Clayton Richard and Edison Volquez have the top two spots on lock down but Eric Stults is likely to make a case for locking up another rotation spot for the Padres.

On Monday, Stults allowed only 2 runs on 2 hits in 3.0 innings of work. His start on Monday was better than the first one, where he allowed 4 runs on on 4 hits, including a home run, in just 1.0 inning of work on the mound.

Last season, Stults went 8-3 with an ERA of 2.91. He made his first appearance in the majors back in 2006 with the Dodgers and has bounced between teams in the NL West, spending time with the Dodgers, Rockies, and now Padres. He also had a short stint with the Chicago White Sox last spring.

In the majors he has a career record of 16-13 with a 4.15 ERA and 160 strikeouts.

Stults impressed manager Bud Black with his strong play last season with the club. Black had this to say to the team’s official site, “Last year was pretty solid. He showed what he’s capable of.”

Stults is also likely to be joined by veteran Jason Marquis in the rotation, with the 5th spot still wide open with Andrew Cashner being hurt.

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