Padres Birthday Spotlight: Nick Vincent

Sep 29, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Nick Vincent (50) pitches the ball against the San Francisco Giants during the seventh inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Today is the 28th birthday of Padres reliever Nick Vincent, who is currently on the DL due to right shoulder fatigue. He is starting a throwing program and may start a rehab assignment during the All-Star week. He threw a bullpen session at Dodger Stadium and is feeling good. He has not appeared in a game since June 11 against the Phillies, when he allowed 3 runs and walked one. His recent struggles were a factor in sending him to the DL.

Vincent has been a reliable piece in the bullpen for a little over 2 seasons. A local kid, Vincent was drafted by the Padres in 2008 out of Cal State Long Beach. He is also a Ramona High graduate. He has appeared in 102 games for the Friars, posting a very respectable 2.98 ERA in just under 100 innings. He also has 109 strikeouts. This season, he struggled a bit before being put on the DL. His ERA is up at 5.67 and he has allowed a career-high 5 home runs.

Other than the injury and one or two bad outings, Vincent has been a dependable arm in one of the best bullpens in the major leagues. The Padres need him back if they want to continue to have a reliable bullpen and keep games close late.