Ohtani another step closer to returning to pitch

Lockett strikes out Cabrera SAN DIEGO -- The Padres are temporarily employing a six-man rotation. They have three other starting options on the mend from various injuries and they lost two more to waiver claims last week.

The major rotation turnover in San Diego provided an opportunity for Walker Lockett. But that opportunity may be fleeting.

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Lockett was hit hard again on Saturday night in a 5-1 loss to Philadelphia at Petco Park, raising his ERA to 9.60 in four big league appearances. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed five runs over 4 1/3 innings, including homers from Maikel Franco and Cesar Hernandez.

Lockett was no match for Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola, who…