33 Clayton Richard, SP

Padres pitcher Clayton Richard began his minor-league rehab assignment at Triple-A Tucson Thursday night.

Richard struck out eight and allowed just one run and four hits over six innings of work. Richard, who is recovering from an intestinal virus, is expected to make a final rehab start on Tuesday before rejoining the rotation.

"He feels good about where he is right now, how his arm feels and how he feels physically in general, from the whole bad virus he contracted," manager Bud Black said.

Padres pitcher Clayton Richard will make his rehab debut May 16 for Triple-A Tuscon, MLB.com reports.

He threw 40 pitches in a simulated game Saturday and was reportedly feeling better. It is not known how many rehab starts he will need before being ready to return to the rotation. 

Padres pitcher Clayton Richard continues to make progress in his bout with an intestinal virus. He has begun mound work.

Richard was at Tropicana Field Saturday, throwing a simulated game prior to the team's game against the Rays.

More information about the nature of his illness has not been released, but Richard plans to work on his arm strength before heading on a minor-league rehab assignment. 

Padres pitcher Clayton Richard visited a gastroenterologist Monday and is awaiting test results for his intestinal virus, MLB.com reports.

Manager Bud Black said the left-hander will throw a few bullpen sessions in the meantime to build arm strength before heading on a minor-league rehab assignment.

"First of all, get healthy," Black said. "Today was a day where the doctors are going to try and get a handle on what's going to happen the next couple of weeks. His arm feels good. He's still a little weak. His strength has been depleted. But he feels good enough to throw."

The Padres placed pitcher Clayton Richard on the disabled list Sunday with an intestinal virus, the team announced. Richard has been dealing with the illness for the past few days and dropped nearly 12 pounds, but was able to make his sixth start Saturday against Arizona.

The left-hander managed just 3 2/3 innings and matched a season high with four walks as his winless streak reached six games. San Diego is expected to use a four-man rotation this week with an off day upcoming Thursday. It is unclear who will take his spot in the rotation when needed.