Padres add Pat Neshek to the bullpen

The San Diego Padres added right handed sidearm pitcher Pat Neshek to their bullpen by claiming him off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.

The news was broken by Neshek himself from his twitter account:

"I just got news that I am now a member of the San Diego Padres, packing up & heading west. – @PatNeshek"

Neshek was the top set-up reliever for the Twins before missing the 2009 season after having reconstructive elbow surgery. He spent most of last season in Triple-A Rocherster.

"It’s a good opportunity for him. It was leaning toward him being one of the odd guys out of the bullpen, and the Padres were looking for a reliever, so it’s a good opportunity for Pat Neshek. – Twins GM Bill Smith"

The back end of the bullpen is already set with Heath Bell, Luke Gregerson, and Mike Adams shutting it down. The middle relief just lost Joe Thatcher for the start of the season with shoulder soreness and Neshek can be used in the middle relief role. He can also specialize in getting right handed hitters out with that crazy release point.

Here is a look at his sidearm delivery: