SAN DIEGO -- Jordan Lyles is pitching his way into an increased role in the Padres' bullpen.
The 27-year-old right-hander signed a one-year deal during the offseason and entered camp as a rotation candidate. Instead, Lyles is carving himself a niche as a reliever. He's faced 23 batters in four appearances. Three have hits, one has walked, eight have struck out and only one has hit the ball harder than 95 mph against Lyles.
On Saturday, Padres manager Andy Green indicated that Lyles will begin seeing increased time in late-and-close situtations.