Padres manager Bud Black says he still views Tim Stauffer as a starter, but he also admits that image is getting fainter.

“In the back of my mind, Tim is still a starter,” Black said, “and I’m sure he still views himself that way, too.

“But the farther we get away from starting Tim in a game, the more likely it is that we would promote someone from (Class AAA) Portland if we needed another starter.”

Because Stauffer is out of options and the Padres were unable to negotiate a fair return in late-spring trade talks with some teams, the pitcher has been in the Padres’ bullpen since Opening Day.

When he allowed a home run to Colorado’s Ian Stewart leading off the top of the 12th inning Wednesday night, Stauffer’s run of 17 1/3 scoreless innings ended—and… View full post on Yahoo! Sports – MLB – San Diego Padres News