The Padres started the season with a formidable rotation, with Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and James Shields. In hindsight, it should have been foreboding. None of them are currently pitching for San Diego. Ross (shoulder) is on the disabled list. Cashner (neck and back) joined him there Saturday. And Shields was traded to the White Sox. Instead, the Padres are leaning on two former Rockies pitchers: Drew Pomeranz and Friedrich. “It says a lot about how Christian has stepped up,” San Diego skipper Andy Green said. Friedrich, the Rockies’ first-round draft pick in 2008, never quite caught on as a starter, then reliever, over 100 games with Colorado, with a 5-16 record and a 5.
Looking ahead: Rockies’ 2011 first-round pick Tyler Anderson will make MLB debut in place of Eddie Butler
