SD/SF Wednesday heads-up: Redding on hot seat

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The Straightshooter
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Yeah, I know he's going against Reuter, who's also struggling. But, Reuter has done well vs. the Pads. Plus, the G Men have the momentum off last night's come from behind win.

Notes: Redding still No. 5 in rotation
Right-hander tabbed to make next start against Giants
By Doug Miller / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- The Padres' No. 5 starter will pitch the last game of this road trip, an afternoon tilt against the San Francisco Giants next Wednesday in SBC Park.

According to manager Bruce Bochy, that pitcher is still going to be Tim Redding, despite the right-hander's struggles and lefty Darrell May's resurgence.

"At this point, it's a little early to start juggling the rotation," Bochy said. "You want to give a guy a little more than three starts to get settled in."

Redding departed Friday night's game after 3 1/3 innings of ineffective work against the Diamondbacks. He gave up five runs on nine hits, including home runs to Royce Clayton and Troy Glaus.

After the game, a 5-3 Padres loss, Redding said he wasn't sure what he was doing wrong and didn't rule out the possibility that he was tipping pitches.

On Saturday, Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley heard about Redding's comments and didn't agree.

"I don't think that's an issue at all," Balsley said. "Occasionally when a pitcher is getting hit, that will creep into their heads, but it's not the case here. And I think it's a dangerous thing to think that way, because then you're out there wondering if they know what's coming."

Balsley said Redding's problems have been related more to the fact that Redding is throwing too many pitches to each hitter. Redding threw 78 pitches on Friday.

Balsley also said Redding should trust his catcher, Ramon Hernandez, more.

"Ramon is one of the best -- if not the best -- game-callers in the big leagues," Balsley said. "He's gone away from what Ramon has wanted at times. He should stick with it."

Balsley admitted that he and Bochy discussed the No. 5 starter situation after Friday's loss. Dating back to last year, the Padres have lost 12 straight games started by No. 5 starters. But both men came to the conclusion that Redding has the arm to be successful.

"We need some wins out of that No. 5," Bochy said. "We think (Tim) has the stuff to be a real good No. 5 starter. He's got Major League stuff. He's throwing 90, 91 [mph] with good sinking movement at times. He's got a real good curveball."

Redding also is honing a slider and a changeup that Bochy said aren't quite where he wants them to be yet, but Balsley said the team remains confident that Redding will come around.

"He's very capable of having a good year for us," Balsley said.
 

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