Padres manager Bud Black discussed the team's rotation on Monday, saying that two of Ian Kennedy, Odrisamer Despaigne and Brandon Morrow would remain in the rotation upon Morrow's return, MLB.com reports.
"We have several options," said Black. "Despaigne made three good starts; no doubt about it. The options are when Brandon comes back, move Morrow into the rotation and move either Ian or Despaigne to the bullpen . . . or put Brandon in bullpen."
Despaigne opened the season in the bullpen, while Morrow also has bullpen experience. Kennedy hasn't pitched out of the bullpen before but has struggled in the rotation this year, posting a 7.15 ERA and 37:14 K:BB ratio in 39 innings.
"Kennedy's trying to get his release point a little higher for a better downward angle," Black said. "It's a little different for Ian, who is more of a drop-and-drive, long-stride thrower. There are subtle adjustments. Fastball command has been an issue. Physically he feels fine, just a couple minor mechanical adjustments. In the games he's pitched well, he's located his fastball and his secondary pitches landed in the strike zone. We want to get Ian back to being the pitcher we've seen here."
Morrow is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Double-A San Antonio on Tuesday and is expected to make at least two rehab starts with the team.
"Brandon has to pitch well and feel good Tuesday," said Black. "He'll probably have to do it again Sunday. Sixty pitches Tuesday and then bump to 75-80, so when he comes back he'll be capable of 90, 95, 100 pitches."