Right-hander Chris Paddack did not start as scheduled on Sunday for the San Diego Padres against the Blue Jays in the Toronto because of a stiff neck.
“It’s nothing serious in our minds whatsoever,” manager Andy Green told reporters before the game. “He woke up today and felt like he could pitch. We know, through the course of 162, he’s not pitching every five days, so we chose to push him back for three days.”
Left-hander Robbie Erlin started for San Diego, which is looking to sweep the three-game series. It’s the first start of the year for the 28-year-old Erlin, who has made 15 relief appearances. He had given up nine earned runs on 22 hits in 22 1/3 innings pitched entering the game.
Paddack, a 23-year-old rookie off to a 4-2 start with a 1.93 ERA in nine starts. He is scheduled to make his next start on Wednesday against the host New York Yankees.
