Padres optioned LHP Josh Spence to Triple-A Tucson. This comes as a bit of a surprise after Spence posted a 2.73 ERA and struck out 31 batters over 29 2/3 innings upon his call-up from the minors last June. We'll surely see the 24-year-old southpaw back at the major league level at some point this year.

Padres purchased the contract of LHP Josh Spence from Double-A San Antonio. Spence, 23, had a 1.71 ERA and 42/11 K/BB ratio over 35 relief appearances this season. The Aussie has held left-handed batters to a .130 batting average, so he has a chance to be a real weapon out of the bullpen. His promotion could open the door for Cory Luebke to move to the starting rotation at some point in the near future.