Padres Sign Bumbry; Hoyt May Pitch Opening Game

The Padres, to the surprise of no one, Thursday announced the signing of veteran outfielder Al Bumbry to a one-year contract.

Bumbry, 37, was a non-roster invitee to spring training and won a job by hitting .308 through 17 exhibition games.

Bumbry, primarily a center fielder for much of his 13-year career with the Baltimore Orioles, will play left field for the Padres.

He may be in the lineup opening day at San Francisco, unless Carmelo Martinez is recovered from a hand injury that has sidelined him.

Bumbry, who has a .283 career batting average, hit .270 for the Orioles last year.

“We are happy to have Al in the fold,” San Diego General Manager Jack McKeon said after completing negotiations with Bumbry’s agent, Jerry Kapstein. “He brings valuable experience and leadership, and comes from a sound organization.”

LaMarr Hoyt likely will be the Padres’ opening day pitcher, but that is not a certainty, according to Manager Dick Williams.

“I haven’t named a starter yet,” Williams said. “Right now, it is set up for LaMarr to be the man, with Eric Show, Andy Hawkins and Mark Thurmond also in our four-man rotation.

“That could change, though, if someone gets hurt, or if Thurmond has another shaky outing or two. We might put him in the bullpen and bring Dave Dravecky back into the rotation.”

The Padres could not have ordered less ideal conditions than prevailed for Thursday night’s exhibition against the San Francisco Giants.

Winds gusting to 20 knots whipped sand around Desert Sun Stadium, making fans and players alike uncomfortable.

The game was called because of the wind at the end of five innings. The Padres, behind Graig Nettles’ two homers and four RBIs, were ahead, 8-7.

It was a good rehearsal for the season-opener in windy Candlestick Park.

The Padres got a positive report on relief pitcher Luis DeLeon, who was struck by a line drive in Wednesday afternoon’s game against the Seattle Mariners.