SAN DIEGO -- The Padres' already thriving bullpen added another electric arm to its ranks on Sunday.

Right-hander Austin Adams, acquired in a seven-player trade with the Mariners ahead of the Aug. 31 Trade Deadline, was activated ahead of Sunday's game against his former club. He's spent the past year sidelined after surgery to repair his left ACL.

Adams has seven games to make his case for a spot on San Diego's postseason roster. But if he rekindles his pre-surgery form, he has a strong one.

"He's a great competitor, and he's got real weapons," Padres manager Jayce Tingler said. "Now, it's been a while since he's pitched, so we need to find some spots for him early on and let him get the confidence going, let him get some outs."

Acquired in the deal that also sent Austin Nola and Dan Altavilla to San Diego, Adams struck out 53 hitters in just 32 innings last season.

Relying heavily on one of the deadliest sliders in baseball, Adams posted a 3.94 ERA between the Nationals and Mariners in 2019. He owns a 3.77 mark across parts of three big league seasons with 14.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

"He's got real weapons, and we think he's got a chance to add very good value to not only the team, but certainly the bullpen."

How does Adams' arrival shake up the Padres' postseason bullpen? If they carry 10 primary bullpen arms for their three-game Wild Card Series, here's how it might shake out:

Locks: Trevor Rosenthal, Drew Pomeranz, Emilio Pagán

Probably in: Tim Hill, Pierce Johnson, Garrett Richards, Matt Strahm (if healthy)

Fighting for a spot: Adams, Altavilla, Adrian Morejon, Craig Stammen, Luis Perdomo, Luis Patiño, Joey Lucchesi, Taylor Williams

Left-hander José Castillo could be a wild card in the bullpen mix this season as well. He hasn't pitched this season because of a left lat strain, but he's facing hitters in game settings at the team's alternate site.

Clevinger update
Ailing right-hander Mike Clevinger played catch on Sunday and is slated to throw a bullpen during Monday's off-day. That will go a long way toward determining whether he makes his return to the mound after being scratched from Saturday’s start with right biceps tightness.

• With Clev concern, SD knocking on Oct. door

"The big test will be tomorrow," Tingler said. "He's feeling good. He's progressing. It's good news so far."

If Clevinger makes it through his bullpen session healthy, he'd be lined up to start Wednesday against the Angels -- presumably his final start of the regular season.

In theory, he'd also be in line to start the following Wednesday -- in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series.