The Padres have designated right-hander Pat Neshek for assignment, tweets Dan Hayes of the North County Times. In a corresponding move, Ernesto Frieri has been activated from the disabled list. Neshek was claimed by the Padres in March after the Twins put him on waivers.
Neshek, who turns 31 next month, has a 4.01 ERA in 25 appearances for San Diego this season. His peripheral stats aren't nearly as respectable — Neshek has allowed 22 walks against just 20 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings pitched. Control has been an issue for Neshek over the last two seasons as the reliever has battled to regain his form after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2008. Before the procedure, Neshek was a dominant force in the Twins' bullpen, posting a 2.68 ERA and a 10.6 K/9 rate over 106 appearances in 2006-07.
