Paders is expected to return to right-handed Michael King Starting with the injured roster and starting with tomorrow’s game against the Reds, according to Kevin Ace of the San Diego United Tribune. He has been out since August 9 due to trouble with his knees. That August began as the king’s only appearance since mid-May, as he had previously missed over two months of neurological problems on his right shoulder.
King has not been in the minor league rehabilitation game, although Captain Mike Shildt said in a radio appearance late last week that he threw five innings in the melee environment of the team’s Arizona complex facility. That made it his turn to catch the ball on Tuesday, that was Nestor CortesLast Friday, if he didn’t fall due to biceps pressure, he was in the rotation.
Those should and knee injuries have limited King to just 11 starts this season, though he’s been every bit as excellent in that slate of appearances as he was with the Padres in 2024 and with the Yankees’ rotation late in 2023. King has pitched 57 2/3 frames on the season and carries a terrific 2.81 ERA with a 27.5% strikeout rate, an 8.1% walk rate, a 38.3% ground-ball rate and 0.94 homers per nine innings. The former swinger has started 49 games and reached 2.77 ERA since playing the starting role full-time. He beat 28.2% of his opponent with an 8.2% walking rate.
King will return to San Diego’s rotation, anchored by offseason signers Nick Pivettain terms of workload and quality. Pivetta’s 164 1/3 innings led the friar, with his 2.85 ERA ranked the highest among Padres’ starters (except the Kings’ 2.81 in about a third of the innings). Super durable Dylan stops He was healthy all season but continued to struggle for the runners, and despite a 30% higher strikeout rate, his ERA was 4.71 ERA (although it was improved) 10% walking rate. Senior Person Yu Darvish There were 5.75 ERAs in his 11 games, despite having a lot of trimming in his last 7 bumps (4.11 ERA). Randy Vasquez Despite the strikeout (12.3%) of walking almost walk (9.7%), his era remains below 4.00. He may return.
All of this made the king even more critical. The priests added the left Cortez and JP Sears During the deadline, but not deepening their staff as they sent out the first releaser Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek In the deal that brings fishermen Freddy Fermin Go to Peter Park. Getting the Kings back might be key, especially since it will give him three or four games to start and return to form before the Padres’ looming playoff berth.
It will also give him more time to build his own case, and it is his first trip to the free agent market. Quickly return forms to the sign of talented Righty’s ability to earn in the open market. If healthy, King should be one of the most coveted starting pitchers for free agents this offseason.
King’s return may be an unwelcome development for the Reds and their fans. Cincinnati is tied for the Mets in the National League wildcard game, tied with the Giants in this regard. A series of losses or sweeps in Padres’ hands could be their season defender. From Padres’s perspective, even winning two of the three will be further pasted in the wildcard mixture. And, with a deficit between the Fiancé and leading rival Dodgers being just one, Gold could be a key part of the sector’s late push.
