Padres option RHP Ryan Bergert to give bullpen a boost

The San Diego Padres optioned effective right-handed starter Ryan Bergert to Triple-A El Paso and recalled right-hander Alek Jacob on Saturday.

The move to send down a starter and add a reliever gives the bullpen another option over the final two games before the All-Star break, and possibly for a few games after the break.

Bergert, 25, struck out seven and gave up two runs on three hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision on Friday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The rookie is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in 10 appearances (six starts) since making his major league debut April 26.

Jacob, 27, went 1-0 with a 6.94 ERA over 22 relief appearances earlier this season before he was optioned to El Paso in late May.