Luebke Promoted to Portland, Has Solid First Start

Righthander Cesar Carrillo has been placed on the minor league disabled list, so the Padres called up lefthanded starter Cory Luebke from Double-A San Antonio to take Carrillo’s place in the Triple-A rotation.

After missing several weeks to open the season, Luebke was his usual strikethowing, effective self in Double-A, posting a 2.40 ERA and 44/12 K/BB in 56 innings.

In his first start in Triple-A, the lefty threw six solid innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits. The 25-year-old walked three and struck out seven.

With Will Inman also on the DL, the Beavers have lost their two most consistent starters to injury. They’re left with a rotation of Luebke, Josh Geer, Steve Garrison, Cesar Ramos, and a fifth pitcher. Radhames Liz, who used to be the fifth starter, was moved to short relief yesterday, taking over for Luebke and throwing a scoreless seventh, so he seems to be out of the rotation picture. Liz went 5-5 with a 4.93 ERA as a starter, and was hampered by homer (10 in 65 2/3 IP) issues. The 26-year-old needed to be moved to the bullpen at some point.

At this point, Luebke may actually have positioned himself as the first guy to be called up if the Padres need an extra starter.