Source: Padres strongly considering signing Marquis

Jason Marquis posted an 8.47 ERA in seven starts before the Twins let him go, but it doesn't sound like he'll be out of work for long.

According to a major league source, the Padres are giving serious thought to signing Marquis, with the hope that he can bolster their injury-depleted rotation. The Twins designated Marquis for assignment last week, and he cleared waivers Monday, becoming a free agent.

The Padres would only have to pay Marquis a pro-rated portion of the $480,000 MLB minimum, with the Twins on the hook for the rest of his $3 million contract.

Marquis, 33, has won 106 games in his 13-year MLB career. Most of that has been spent in the National League, as the Twins were his first American League stop. Just last year, the righthander went 8-6 with a 4.43 ERA in 23 combined starts for the Nationals and Diamondbacks.

After signing with the Twins, he missed time during spring training after his 7-year-old daughter was in a serious bicycle accident. She has made a full recovery, but after starting this season at Class AA New Britain, Marquis had a hard time rediscovering his old form with the Twins.