Padres set for three-tiered rotation race

Padres' options for rotation PEORIA, Ariz. -- Pitchers and catchers reported to the Padres' Spring Training complex Wednesday afternoon, marking the first day of a "wide open" rotation competition in the eyes of skipper Andy Green.

With the first formal workout slated for Thursday, Green sized up his starting candidates, essentially dividing the race into three tiers.

"Clayton Richard is in the rotation," said Green. "And we move forward with the expectation that we acquired Bryan Mitchell to put him in the rotation. [Luis] Perdomo, [Dinelson] Lamet probably have legs up on other guys. Everybody else is fighting."

When the Padres signed Richard to a two-year extension last September, they…