San Diego Padres designate Adys Portillo to make room for Joaquin Benoit

October 10, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning in game five of the American League divisional series playoff baseball game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. The Tigers defeated the Athletics 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Diego Padres have added another solid arm to their bullpen to compliment closer Huston Street.

Former Detroit Tigers closer Joaquin Benoit was picked up by the Padres on a two year contract worth $15.5 million not too long ago. The 36 year old right handed reliever is coming off a year where he recorded only nine saves before picking up 30 in 2012.

He finished the year with a 2.01 ERA, 4-1 win/loss record and 1.03 WHIP in 67 innings of work. Benoit pitched in 5 2/3 innings during the post-season and struck out 10 batters while being charged with four earned runs with an ERA of 6.35.

In order to make room for Benoit on the 40 man roster, someone had to be designated for assignment. There’s always a chance this person can be brought back onto the 40-man roster or picked up by another team and placed on theirs.

Right handed pitcher Adys Portillo was the one who was chosen. He’s a 22 year old Class-A pitcher who struggled with injuries during the 2013 year.

Portillo only started three games and posted a 4.82 ERA while being tagged with five earned runs. Tough break, but he could always bounce back and climb through the Minors.

Home/MLB