Buckner to get callup, start Saturday's game

SAN DIEGO -- After going the first six weeks or so of the season with the same five starters they broke camp with at the end of March, the Padres will tab their third different starting pitcher in a week on Saturday when Billy Buckner starts against the Cubs.

The Padres have yet to add Buckner, a 30-year-old right-hander, to the roster. He'll be added before Saturday's game.

Buckner was 3-2 with a 2.89 in five starts with Triple-A El Paso. He signed with the team on April 19 after not being with a team in Spring Training.

The team had considered giving right-hander Donn Roach a second start, but felt it might need him in relief Friday since Tim Stauffer, who like Roach is a long reliever, is being pressed into a start after pitcher Robbie Erlin developed soreness in his left elbow.

In the past week, Andrew Cashner and Erlin developed elbow soreness. Roach made a start last Sunday for Cashner and Stauffer takes over the Erlin on Friday.

Buckner has appeared in 43 games over the past four seasons with four teams and has made 23 starts with the Royals, D-backs and Angels. Manager Bud Black likes his experience.

"He's done this before. His experience, in his career, popping him in there, mentally we won't have any issues," Black said.