PEORIA, Ariz. -- San Diego Padres shortstop Deivi Cruz is the latest major league player discovered to be older than his listed age.

The commissioner's office informed team officials Friday that Cruz is 29, three years older than his biography lists.

The discrepancy was discovered when Cruz applied for a visa to travel from the Dominican Republic to spring training. With tighter security guidelines, officials are requiring an original birth certificate, rather than just a copy.

Cruz's original birth certificate shows he was born in 1972, the commissioner's office told the Padres.

"At least we know now," Padres general manager Kevin Towers said. "It's unfortunate."

Cruz became a free agent after batting .256 with seven home runs and 52 RBI in 110 games with the Detroit Tigers last year.

The Padres signed him to a $600,000 contract, though they start spring training anticipating that rookie Ramon Vazquez will be the regular shortstop.

And Cruz, who has not reported to camp yet, is falling further behind.

"He looks good," manager Bruce Bochy said of Vazquez. "You can tell he can handle the bat."

Oakland Athletics infielder Jose Vizcaino also added a couple of years to his age.

"Yes, I'm 26 not 24," Vizcaino said. "So what!"

A's manager Art Howe wasn't concerned.

"It doesn't bother me," said Howe. "He still throws as fast."

In recent weeks, the true ages of several players have been revealed, including Kansas City's Neifi Perez, Cleveland's Bartolo Colon, Atlanta's Rafael Furcal and Anaheim's Ramon Ortiz.