Despite the early success of their starting rotation, there have been rumors swirling that the San Diego Padres were searching for one more starting pitcher through free agency or trade. Today, they may have found their match by reacquiring for Padres prospect Matt Wisler from the Cincinnati Reds.
The #Padres have acquired RHP Matt Wisler from Cincinnati in exchange for RHP Diomar Lopez. Details: https://t.co/XlkCHKpNoL pic.twitter.com/RJsQmgabcn
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) April 2, 2019
Wisler had 26 starts with the San Antonio Missions (AA) in 2015 when the Padres traded him to the Atlanta Braves as a part of the deal to acquire Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton Jr.
He spent 3+ seasons with the Braves’ big-league club before being part of a trade package to acquire Adam Duvall. As a member of the Cincinnati Reds, Wisler appeared in 11 games and worked exclusively out of the bullpen.
For his career, Wisler has a 16-23 record and an ERA of 5.14. He posted a 3.75 ERA working out of the bullpen for the Reds in Spring Training this season and hasn’t yet pitched in MLB this year.
In exchange for Wisler, the Padres gave up Diomar Lopez. Lopez had a solid ERA in low-A ball last year, but couldn’t replicate that at A-ball (18.80 ERA) or high-A ball (9.90 ERA). He’s a prospect with minimal chances of making it to the big league club.
At this point, it’s unknown if the Padres are going to attempt to add Wisler to their bullpen, starting rotation, or option him to El Paso.
UPDATE: He’s going to the bullpen.
#Padres bring back Matt Wisler as a reliever — to help with their starter situation. https://t.co/9GrHp2Abfp
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) April 2, 2019