Buchter was optioned to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The team maintains that Buchter is not injured, but his spin rate had dipped noticeably over the past couple games, and so had his effectiveness. He gave up three runs over 1.1 innings (20.25 ERA) in his last two appearances after giving up 15 runs in the previous 52.3 innings (2.56 ERA). Keith Hessler was recalled to take Buchter's spot in the big league bullpen.

Buchter threw a perfect inning against the Giants on Sunday en route to his 15th hold of the season.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty has now turned in seven straight scoreless appearances, with just two hits allowed and seven strikeouts over that span, since his five-run blowup on June 29 (the day before the team traded Fernando Rodney). Brandon Maurer nailed down the win Sunday and is 3-for-3 in save chances since taking over in the ninth inning. Buchter still has appeal as a closer-in-waiting but will probably need Maurer to slip up or get traded.

Buchter will be next in line for save chances behind Brandon Maurer in San Diego, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Andy Green named Buchter the Padres' primary setup man in early June following three poor outings from Maurer (nine earned runs in 1.1 innings), seemingly putting him in line for save chances behind Fernando Rodney. However, in an example of disastrous timing, Buchter was blown up for five runs in an appearance the day before Rodney was traded to Miami. Maurer has settled down since the rough stretch and will get the first look in the closer role, but the lefty Buchter should keep the seat warm and still makes for a viable hold in many leagues.

Padres manager Andy Green said Buchter is now the primary setup guy to closer Fernando Rodney, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

With another scoreless frame Friday night against the Rockies, Buchter is carrying a 2.16 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with a 35:12 K:BB over 25 innings this season. It's reasonable to think that he is currently the frontrunner to take over the ninth-inning if Rodney suffers an injury or if he's traded at some point in the coming months.

Buchter pitched a perfect ninth with a strikeout for his first career save Thursday against the Brewers.

EDGE Analysis

Regular closer Fernando Rodney pitched in both ends of Wednesday's doubleheader, and even though Buchter appeared in one of those games as well, he was still the best-rested arm in that bullpen. He's also been hugely effective this year, having allowed just one run with a 0.96 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB in 16.2 innings. It's not unrealistic to expect him to rise into the primary setup role, as he's outpitched everyone in the Padres' pen this year.

Buchter did not give up a run in two-thirds of an inning with a strikeout in Monday's loss to the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Buchter will serve as a lefty middle reliever for the Padres. Buchter spent the 2015 season in the Dodgers and Cubs organizations, working a 1.78 ERA with a 10.7 K/9 rate over 43 total appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Triple-A Iowa.

Buchter had his contract selected by the Padres on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres granted Marcos Mateo his release in a corresponding move on Thursday, clearing a spot for Buchter on the 40-man roster. Buchter spent the 2015 season in the Dodgers and Cubs organizations, working a 1.78 ERA with a 10.7 K/9 rate over 43 total appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City and Triple-A Iowa. The Padres' severe lack of left-handed pitchers in the bullpen could give Buchter an inside track at making the opening day roster.

Buchter has a 0.70 ERA and 29:12 K:BB in 25.2 innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City. The 28 year-old has pitched a grand total of one big league inning, but he could add to that this year if he keeps this up. Buchter has walked just two batters in his last 12.2 innings.

Buchter was reassigned to minor league camp Saturday, MLB.com's Ken Gurnick reports. He will likely start the year in Triple-A and figures to offer organizational bullpen depth for the Dodgers in 2015.

Buchter has signed with the Dodgers and will be a non-roster invitee at spring training. Buchter spent pretty much all of 2014 at Triple-A Gwinett in the Braves' system, but had a decent season. He finished the campaign with a 3.29 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP with 63 strikeouts in 63 innings. His walk rate was high, issuing 40 free passes over the 63 frames, and it will be something he needs to iron out in spring training if he wants a chance at a bullpen spot for the Dodgers.