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With Joe Thatcher on the disabled list, Alex Hinshaw seemed ready to get some extra looks from Bud Black as the left handed specialist. He'd been the rare 2nd lefty in the pen for much of the season and probably looked forward to the new role. Well, it didn't last log as today Hinshaw's locker was cleaned out. Taking a look at his season numbers give you an idea why. A 4.50 ERA and a high walk rate are the signs of a struggling pitcher. At 29 years old, he's not a prospect, so the team was not in a position to continue to be patient with the man who once pitched at Montezuma Mesa for the San Diego State Aztecs.
Replacing Hinshaw is another southpaw. Tom Layne will get his first ever big league call up and become the sole lefty in the 'pen. Layne was dumped by the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this season before getting picked up by the Padres. He pitched in Tucson briefly, but had his best success in San Antonio. His minor league career has had its ups and downs, but the team must feel that he's made some good strides since acquiring him. He's 27 years old, so he's not quite as young as some of the other Padres relievers, stands at 6'3 and throws a sinker, slider combination. Look for him to get an opportunity against one or more the Atlanta Braves quality left handed bats (Michael Bourn, Jason Heyward, Brian McCann and Freddie Freeman).
