Kevin Quackenbush Proving Reliable

Feb 21, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Kevin Quackenbush (71) poses for a photo during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Early this season, Kevin Quackenbush was known more for his long last name and frequent shuttle trips from Triple-A El Paso to the big league club.

Then he started pitching.

On the season, Quackenbush has a 2.93 ERA in just over 15 innings. In 7 appearances since May 27th, he has 7 scoreless innings with only 2 hits allowed and 6 strikeouts.

Not bad for the man with the funny last name scrawled over the back of his jersey.

The Padres’ bullpen is littered with strong arms performing well, but unfortunately Quackenbush may be sent down again this weekend as the Padres plan to call up another minor league pitcher to start a game.

As impressive as his major league stats are, his minor league ones, which prove why he is the guy that keeps getting the call back to the bigs. He has pitched to a 1.26 ERA in 13 games for El Paso with 6 saves and only 2 earned runs allowed. In other words, dominant.

As rumors swirl about trading Huston Street, it is comforting to know the Padres have future, younger, cheaper options possibly in the fold already. The job Darren Balsley does handling his bullpen cannot be underestimated either. Why the Padres can’t develop more younger, cheaper hitters is beyond most people’s comprehension.

Until a more permanent spot in the bullpen becomes available, Kevin Quackenbush will continue to get hitters out, no matter if it is in El Paso, San Diego, or wherever the game takes him.