Justin Germano Returns to Padres

The adorable Justin Germano won't be pitching with the Philadelphia Phillies' struggling bullpen this season. The 24-year-old reliever is heading back to San Diego after the Padres claimed him off waivers Monday.

Just last week, it appeared Germano was in the running for a relief spot with the Phillies. After pitching well up until Thursday night against the Toronto Blue Jays, when he was roughed up for three runs in two innings.

Now, Germano is returning to the club that initially brought him up to pitch in the majors. When San Diego lost David Wells to an injury in 2004, the righty was called up to make a few starts. He beat the Phillies in his debut, but finished 1-2 with an 8.86 ERA in seven games, including five starts.

Germano is a career 1-3 with an 8.83 ERA in over nine games - 5 starts - in parts of two big league seasons.

[Yahoo! Sports]