Christian Bethancourt, sent down to Triple-A by the San Diego Padres after a failed stint in a hybrid role, has agreed to work on developing as a pitcher in the Minor Leagues.

The Padres are encouraged by Bethancourt's decision after he was demoted to the El Paso Chihuahuas and given a few days to decide whether he wanted to pitch or catch.

"He said that he would pitch, and we're happy with that decision on his part," Andy Green said. "We're glad that he feels the same way we feel about it."

Bethancourt's natural position is catcher, but the Padres have used him as a pitcher the past two seasons. He hit .143 in eight games and appeared in four as a pitcher, going 0-0 with a 14.73 ERA in 3 2/3 innings.