What It Means:

Maurer gave starting a try but it wasn't for him. The Padres decided to pull the plug after seeing him allow 16 runs in only 5 2/3 innings of work this spring. Maurer probably never should have left the bullpen where he was solid last year with 12 holds and a 3.00 ERA in 51 innings pitched. He could be in the mix for saves if Fernando Rodney struggles, which seems likely after his dismal season with the Seattle Mariners last year.

Maurer's xFIP in 2015 was 3.85 and his 18.9 strikeout percentage was below the league average of 20.4 percent. We project him to post a 3.83 ERA and a 18.1 strikeout percentage in 2016.