PHOENIX —
Trey Wingenter expects to work his way into a closer’s role at some point in his career.
For now, the 24-year-old right-hander generally pitches in the sixth and seventh inning.
With the occasional eighth and ninth, such as on Thursday against the Diamondbacks because closer Kirby Yates was unavailable.
Yates on Wednesday pitched in his eighth game, earning his seventh save. Entering Thursday’s game, Yates was on a preposterous 99-game pace. Set-up man Craig Stammen, who the Padres did have to call on to make his eighth appearance for an out to end the eighth inning on Thursday, is on track for an equally ridiculous 93 appearances.