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Ashby making a return to Padres

By: BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:46 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Another pitcher from the Padres' 1998 World Series club is coming back, only this one's return isn't anticipated until the 2005 season.

The Padres have agreed to a tentative minor-league contract with 36-year-old right-hander Andy Ashby, who underwent Tommy John surgery in October after pitching the previous three seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ashby is expected to spend this year rehabilitating his elbow, with the understanding that the Padres control his rights for 2005.

"He's going to participate with the club, rehab with the club and be part of the organization," said Adam Katz, Ashby's agent. "When he's ready to go much, much later in the year, we'll put something together."

Ashby, who made $8.5 million last year, opened the season in the bullpen before getting bumped back into the rotation in June. He struggled in both capacities, though, going 3-10 with a 5.18 ERA before tearing an elbow ligament in early September.

He enjoyed his greatest successes in San Diego, where he pitched from 1993 to 1999. In his last five seasons with the Padres, he compiled a record of 61-45 while registering an ERA of 3.80 or better in four of them. His career peak came in 1998, when he provided a devastating complement to ace Kevin Brown by going 17-9 with a 3.34 ERA.

When Ashby shows up for spring training ---- his arrival will be delayed a couple of weeks by family issues, Katz said ---- he will be reunited with two other pitchers from that World Series team: Sterling Hitchcock and Joey Hamilton.

"Andy just loved his San Diego experience," Katz said of the pitcher, who maintains an offseason home in Del Mar. "He's remained close with (general manager) Kevin (Towers) and Boch (manager Bruce Bochy), and he wanted to be involved with the Padres. This was a natural fit for him."

Padres notes ---- Tickets for the first regular-season game at Petco Park, April 8 vs. San Francisco, will go on sale Friday, Feb. 27 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets will only be available through the team's Web site at www.padres.com or by calling 1-877-FRIARTIX.