The Padres have signed right-hander Colten Brewer to a one-year contract, and they designated right-hander Kyle Lloyd for assignment in a corresponding move.
Brewer, 25, pitched in the Yankees' organization in 2017, posting a 2.82 ERA in 41 appearances between Class A Advanced Tampa, Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The Pirates originally selected him in the fourth round of the 2011 Draft from Canton High School in Texas.
Lloyd, 27, went 8-9 with a 5.01 ERA in 27 starts between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A El Paso in 2017. He also appeared in one game for the Padres, making his Major League debut in a start on July 25, giving up four runs over four innings.
It's a Major League deal for Brewer, whom the Padres hope will be the latest in a line of reclamation relief projects that have panned out. Two years ago, Ryan Buchter was also signed to a Major League contract after six years as a Minor League free agent, and he flourished in San Diego. Meanwhile, Brad Hand and Kirby Yates have thrived in San Diego as waiver claims.
Even with the addition of Brewer, the Padres are still looking to add at least two more relievers to the mix before the start of camp. A reunion with right-hander Craig Stammen, who thrived in multiple roles last season, seems possible. Stammen, however, could ask for a multiyear deal. Whether the Padres are willing to commit to the 33-year-old righty through 2019 remains to be seen.