Adam Russell Recalled From Portland

Chris Young was finally placed on the disabled list today with a strained right shoulder.

Adam Russell was recalled from Triple-A Portland to take Young’s place on the roster. He pitched in tonight’s blowout of the Atlanta Braves.

Russell will turn 27 later this week. He allowed three earned runs in one inning of work in Portland, but threw 12 1/3 solid innings last year for the Padres, striking out 14 and posting a 3.50 FIP.

A 6’8″ fireballer with two strong breaking pitches, Russell can certainly be an effective major league pitcher, although it’s difficult to see much of a role for him unless the Padres send someone else down.

With Young on the DL, the Padres are going to need another starting pitcher in a few days to go with Jon Garland, Kevin Correia, Mat Latos, and Clayton Richard.

Tim Stauffer and Sean Gallagher may be able to start, but they likely would be have to kept to a strict pitch limit and exit after 3-5 innings.

Unless the Padres go that route, they’re going to have to call up a starter–likely lefty Wade LeBlanc–from Portland. In that case, Russell would be sent right back down within a week, unless he impresses and someone else implodes this week.