The Padres will again have a nine-man bullpen for a few days.

Left-hander JP Sears was optioned to Triple-A El Paso as the Padres recalled right-hander Alek Jacob before Tuesday’s 6:40 p.m. start in Seattle.

The 29-year-old old Sears allowed four runs — three earned — in 3⅔ innings in a no-decision on Monday. That was on the heals of six innings of one-run ball in a win over the Giants after returning from a stint with Triple-A El Paso.

Right-hander Michael King is expected to make another rehab start/sim game before coming off the injured list, likely after rosters expand in September. In the meantime, right-hander Randy Vásquez is a candidate to make another start in the majors when Sears’ turn comes up again Sunday in Minnesota.

Sears has a 5.01 ERA in 125⅔ innings in the ma

See Full Page