SAN DIEGO -- The Padres feel they have a starting weapon in their bullpen. It's simply a matter of how and when they decide to use him.
Robbie Erlin has made two relief appearances this season in his return from May 2016 Tommy John surgery. In the first, he was excellent over three scoreless innings, before allowing two runs in the fourth. In his second, he pitched two dominant frames on Wednesday night against the Rockies.
The Padres plan to limit Erlin's innings this season, as he returns from major surgery (though they won't divulge the specifics of that limit).