The Rays acquired Lesko, outfielder Homer Bush and catcher J.D. Gonzalez from the Padres on Sunday in exchange for reliever Jason Adam, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.
Lesko was one of San Diego's top prospects, though he's struggled at the High-A level this season with a 6.82 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 73:49 K:BB across 64.2 innings. He's also plunked 11 batters and thrown seven wild pitches, as his control has been erratic in his second year back from Tommy John surgery.
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Padres' Dylan Lesko: No control at High-A
Rotowire
Lesko has walked more batters (23) than he has struck out (22) through 19 innings (six starts) for High-A Fort Wayne.
Things have been particularly bad for Lesko of late, as he has allowed 15 earned runs while walking 13 batters and hitting five batsmen over seven innings in his last three starts. Lesko made his return from Tommy John surgery last year and walked 11 in 12 innings for the Tin Caps, but the hope was that his control was lagging behind in his first year back from surgery. He has now walked 34 batters in 31 career innings in the Midwest League.
Lesko was promoted from Single-A Lake Elsinore to High-A Fort Wayne on Sunday, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Lesko spent the past month with the Single-A club and posted a 5.40 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 16 innings over five outings. He spent the start of the season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery but will have a chance to compete at the High-A level late in the year.
Lesko (elbow) will make his pro debut Tuesday in the Arizona Complex League, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.
The best prep pitcher in last year's draft class, Lesko had Tommy John surgery last spring, and he will be eased into pro action against rookie-level hitters. Assuming his stuff is back to where it was pre-surgery, Lesko should quickly ascend to Single-A Lake Elsinore.
