Padres sign LHP Loup for bullpen

[February 18, 2019]    The San Diego Padres signed left-handed reliever Aaron Loup to a one-year contract, with a team option for a second season, the team announced Sunday.

Loup, 31, is a seven-year major league veteran who made a combined 59 relief appearances last season between the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies, posting a 4.54 ERA and striking out 44 in 39 2/3 innings.

Other than nine appearances with Philadelphia after being acquired at the 2018 trading deadline, Loup has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays, compiling a 3.49 ERA in 322 2/3 innings in 378 games.

Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

With a sidearm delivery, Loup has held left-handed batters in his career to a .232 batting average, allowing only five home runs in 579 plate appearances. Right-handers have hit .272 against him while slugging .428 -- 111 points higher than left-handers.

The Padres transferred right-hander Garrett Richards to the 60-day injured list to make room for Loup on the 40-man roster.

--Field Level Media

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