Hoeing remains without a return timetable after being shut down last month with shoulder soreness.

The Padres claim they are simply bringing the 28-year-old hurler along cautiously and they still think that he’ll be ready to open the regular season as the long man in their bullpen. While the idea sounds good in theory, if he doesn’t get on a mound soon, he simply won’t have enough time to build up in order to make that happen.

The 27-year-old Hoeing didn’t do much in a pair of recent starts for the Marlins, but he has been effective out of the pen, posting a 1.50 ERA with a 20/7 K/BB in 24 innings. A rather fringy arm, he could well be optioned to the minors to serve as insurance for San Diego.

Hoeing faced a relentless Astros lineup that tallied two hits and four earned runs on him through his first two innings of work. The Astros sent eight batters to the plate in a four-run second inning that featured two extra-base hits, which included a two-run homer by right fielder Joey Loperfido. Hoeing would make it through the third inning unscathed, but it was a rough outing for the reliever, who made the spot start for the Marlins on Wednesday. He should return to his normal role moving forward.