Padres optioned RHP Burch Smith to Triple-A Tucson. Smith was sent down after he lasted just one-plus inning in a loss Wednesday to the Cardinals. The 23-year-old struggled with an 18.41 ERA in his first three major league starts. Smith opened the season with Double-A San Antonio, but the Padres are hoping he can reestablish himself the Triple-A level.

Burch Smith lasted just one-plus innings Wednesday and gave up four runs in a loss to the Cardinals. We were surprised Smith wasn't pulled from the rotation last week with his ERA sitting at 15.63. Now it's up to 18.41. He has to be a goner this time, and Tim Stauffer, who replaced him tonight and allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings, is the obvious choice to replace him.

Burch Smith gave up five runs and three homers in 5 1/3 innings Friday in a no-decision against the Nationals. Smith struck out eight and walked just one, but there was no overcoming the homers. He has a 15.63 ERA after two starts, so his rotation spot is tenuous at best.

Burch Smith was absolutely pummeled by the Rays in his major league debut on Saturday, surrendering six runs on five hits in just one-plus innings of work. Smith walked two and fanned a pair in the brief outing. After getting through the first inning unscathed, the first seven Rays reached in the second, pushing six runs across and chasing Smith from the game. He registered some pretty impressive numbers through his first six starts at Double-A San Antonio this season, but the 23-year-old right-hander has made just seven career starts above A-ball and will have to improve his secondary offerings before he becomes a fixture in the Padres' rotation.