Bukauskas struck out three over a scoreless fifth inning in Saturday's spring game against the Padres.
Bukauskas, a starter in the minors, is being groomed as a reliever for 2021 and has excelled in four Cactus League outings. Saturday's appearance was his first during the middle of a game -- thus, facing more experienced hitters -- which is an indication of the team's growing trust in the right-hander, who has not allowed a hit, walk or run while striking out nine over four spring innings.