Erlin will start Monday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres' banged-up rotation at present time will lead to Erlin making his second spot start of the season Monday. He hasn't pitched since May 14 so he should be fresh and ready to face a tough Nationals lineup. Erlin lasted just 3.0 innings in his lone other start and was tagged for four earned runs in that outing, so owners looking for a pitcher to stream ought to look elsewhere.

Erlin (0-2) allowed six runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks with four strikeouts over just three innings in a loss Monday against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Erlin was unlikely to go deep into this game regardless of how well he pitched, as he fills a swingman role in San Diego's bullpen and hadn't gone longer than 3.2 innings all year. After he needed 70 pitches to get through three frames, with a three-run home run allowed to boot, Erlin's day was definitely done. Expect him to return to the bullpen with Luis Perdomo returning from suspension.

Erlin will start Monday against the Dodgers unless he's needed in the bullpen over the weekend, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Padres will need someone to make a spot start after Luis Perdomo was suspended for his part in a brawl. Erlin will be the team's first choice, though he'll still be available in the bullpen over the weekend. Jordan Lyles and Walker Lockett could be the backup plans for the San Diego. Erlin is naturally a starter, though he's on an innings limit this year after missing the entire 2017 season due to Tommy John surgery. He's looked good in the bullpen so far this year, with a 2.38 ERA in 11.1 innings.

Erlin is an option to make a spot start Monday against the Dodgers, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Monday's start opened up following the news that Luis Perdomo would begin serving his suspension immediately. Erlin lost the 2017 season to injury, but acted as a starter prior to that. He also holds a 2.38 ERA and a 9:2 K:BB in 11.1 frames this season. If he doesn't get the nod, Jordan Lyles and Walker Lockett could fill the vacancy.

Erlin will not start Friday against the Brewers, Dennis Lin of The Athletic San Diego reports.

EDGE Analysis

The San Diego Union-Tribune suggested Wednesday that Erlin would get the nod. It was a logical inference given Tyson Ross (arm) and Bryan Mitchell are unavailable and there weren't many other options on the roster, but the Padres have made the somewhat surprising decision to promote Joey Lucchesi. With that, Erlin will likely head to the bullpen, although it's not out of the question that he could be bumped from the roster to make room for Lucchesi.

Erlin seems to be the most likely starter for the Padres' second game of the season, Friday against the Brewers, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tyson Ross (arm) and Bryan Mitchell are slated to pitch in a minor-league game Wednesday, leaving them both unavailable for the weekend. Enter Erlin, who missed the better part of two years after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May of 2016. He fared well in a couple Cactus League appearances and will be at home for his 2018 debut, but even so, most will want to avoid him as there's risk of significant ratio damage going up against a potent Milwaukee lineup.

Erlin will begin the year in the Padres' rotation, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Erlin beat out Chris Young for the rotation spot which opened up following Dinelson Lamet's elbow injury. Lamet could return in early May, so Erlin's role could be temporary. He's been out since May 2016 following Tommy John surgery and didn't even make any rehab starts last year, so it's tough to know what he'll be this year. In 148.2 major-league innings thus far in his career, the 27-year-old lefty has recorded a 4.54 ERA with a 3.78 FIP. He only strikes out 17.8 percent of batters, but his pitcher-friendly home park could make him an interesting streaming option in deeper leagues.

Erlin and Chris Young appear to be the most realistic candidates to open the season as the Padres' fifth starter with Dinelson Lamet (elbow) headed to the disabled list, Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to Lamet experienced elbow soreness during his Cactus League start Sunday, Erlin looked to be headed for the bullpen to begin the season, as it appeared Tyson Ross solidified himself as the big club's No. 5 starter. With Lamet now due to miss the season's first month, Ross will move up a rung on the depth chart to create a new opening in the rotation. While Erlin's placement on the 40-man roster would seem to give him a leg up on Young -- a non-roster invitee -- for a rotation spot, the Padres have at least two players who are logical candidates for the 60-day DL, making it rather easy for the team to add Young to the roster if it so chooses. In addition, Erlin has a minor-league option remaining, so the Padres could send the lefty to Triple-A El Paso in order to keep both him and Young in the organization as long as possible. Expect manager Andy Green to decide whether Erlin or Young will claim the vacant starting role prior to Opening Day.

Erlin is likely to make the Padres' Opening Day roster as a long reliever, the San Diego Union-Tribute reports.

EDGE Analysis

Erlin has been out for nearly two years following Tommy John surgery. He's unlikely to crack the rotation to start the year, but he's out of options, so he's likely to be kept around as a long reliever and could earn the occasional spot start. It's tough to be sure what Erlin will be this year following such a long absence. Prior to his injury, he recorded a 4.54 ERA and a 3.78 FIP in 148.2 major-league innings. He avoids walks (5.7 percent walk rate) but doesn't strike out enough batters (17.8 percent strikeout rate) to be anything more than a back-end starter.

Erlin (elbow) will face no restrictions during spring training, AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Erlin will be fully healthy for the start of spring after missing the entire 2017 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Seeing as he hasn't pitched since April of 2016, the Padres will likely ease him back into action early on in camp. That said, Erlin should be given the chance to compete for a rotation spot this spring, though it's hard to tell how he'll bounce back after being sidelined for nearly two years.