Padres Add Jason Marquis

The Padres dipped into the free agent pool today, signing former Twins pitcher Jason Marquis to a minor league contract. Marquis will report to AAA Tucson. The move was reported by FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Marquis signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Twins in the offseason. He was expected to be an innings-eater at the end of the rotation, but Marquis has been a disaster in 2012. Marquis has a 2-4 record, with an ERA of 8.47 this season. He has struck out just 12, to go with 14 walks.

The Padres will only be responsible for the prorated minimum salary, and Marquis should give the organization a little more depth. The Padres have already Dustin Moseley and Cory Luebke for the entire 2012 season, and Tim Stauffer and Joe Wieland are currently on the disabled list. It never hurts to have another veteran arm available.

Marquis is 33 years old, with a 106-102 record, and a 4.63 ERA in 13 Major League seasons. He has had six seasons where he has had double-digit wins, most recently in 2009, with Colorado.