SAN DIEGO -- At some point, the Padres needed to take a look at Walker Lockett. The 24-year-old right-hander was added to the 40-man roster in November 2016. Back then, it seemed like only a matter of time before his big league debut.
It took longer than expected. Lockett's 2017 back injury and his ensuing struggles at Triple-A made sure of that. But the fourth-rounder from the 2012 Draft finally arrived at Petco Park on Friday evening.
Lockett wasn't hit particularly hard, but he allowed nine baserunners and was removed after 3 2/3 innings in a 7-2 loss to Cincinnati.