PHOENIX _ One of the more ambitious experiments in major league history has officially stalled.
The Padres on Tuesday outrighted reliever-in-training Christian Bethancourt to Triple-A El Paso and recalled infielder Cory Spangenberg from the same affiliate.
Bethancourt, the catcher who has faced a steep learning curve on big-league mounds, was quietly put on waivers over the weekend. In four relief appearances spanning 32/3 innings, he allowed nine runs, six earned.
The 25-year-old's pitching education commenced late last summer, after Bethancourt made a pair of mop-up cameos. Shortly after he began throwing bullpen sessions, the Padres made their plans public in September, stoking interest around the game.
Since his debut in 2013, Bethancourt had wielded arguably the strongest arm among major league catchers. Meanwhile, as a position player, he had not made enough contact to unlock his similarly impressive power. The Padres envisioned a role in which Bethancourt would pitch, occasionally catch and serve as an emergency outfielder, thus providing unprecedented versatility.
But the endeavor carried significant challenges. Winter ball in Bethancourt's native Panama did not start until January, delaying an opportunity to test his budding skills. He was out of minor league options, meaning the Padres could not send him down without risking losing him to another organization. He showed enough in Cactus League play that they decided to carry him on their opening-day roster.
In regular season action against major league hitters, Bethancourt struggled to command his fastball. Over his four appearances as a pitcher, he allowed six hits and eight walks, striking out two. He went 1 for 7 at the plate.
Going to the minors should provide a more conducive environment for his development on the mound. It should be noted, though, that El Paso plays in the offense-friendly Pacific Coast League.
In 17 games for El Paso, Spangenberg hit .348 with a .403 on-base percentage, a home run and three steals. The 26-year-old was optioned to Triple A just before the start of the regular season, a surprising move but one the Padres reasoned would allow for everyday playing time. Spangenberg missed nearly all of the 2016 season due to quad injuries.
Spangenberg's call-up arrives in the midst of an extended slump for the Padres' opening-day third baseman. Ryan Schimpf entered Tuesday hitting just .102. He had walked 15 times but also struck out in 25 at-bats.
Spangenberg is in Tuesday's lineup, batting second and playing third. Schimpf is on the bench.
