PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Two seasons after Tommy John surgery interrupted his minor league career, Chris Paddack hopes he's on the cusp of winning a job in the San Diego Padres' rotation.

The 23-year-old seems to have as good a chance as anyone to win one of the final three spots with the rebuilding Padres, based on his drive and his impressive performance last season after returning from reconstructive elbow surgery.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say my goal is to make the starting rotation," said Paddack, who is ranked No. 5 among the organization's deep list of prospects. "Being a right-hander in this organization, it's wide open. I want to do everything I can mentally and physically to earn my spot. At the end of the day, your teammates and coaches are going to remember who you are as a person. I feel like that beats any reward, goal or accomplishment out there. That's something that doesn't collect dust."