The San Diego Padres have announced that right-handed pitcher Michael King has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation, retroactive to May 22. King was scheduled to start against the Braves but was removed from the lineup due to discomfort he attributed to a poor sleeping position. After evaluations and tossing weighted balls, it was decided to prioritize his long-term health, even though manager Mike Shildt indicated that the team does not believe the injury is serious.
King has been a significant asset for the Padres, showcasing an impressive 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings in the previous season, earning a seventh-place finish in the NL Cy Young Award voting. His performance this year has continued to be strong, with a current 2.59 ERA and a solid strikeout rate of 28.4%. However, he has experienced an increase in hard contact against him compared to last season.
With King sidelined and Yu Darvish also injured, the Padres’ rotation has taken a hit. Darvish’s timeline for return remains uncertain after he pitched four innings in a Triple-A rehab start on May 14 and has not seen action since. The current rotation consists of Nick Pivetta, Dylan Cease, Randy Vasquez, and Stephen Kolek, with Kyle Hart as a potential option to fill King’s spot, despite his struggles earlier in the season.
To bolster the pitching roster, the Padres have called up David Morgan from Triple-A El Paso and left-hander Omar Cruz. Morgan is getting a new chance after being previously optioned without making an appearance, and while he has struggled with a 12.71 ERA in Triple-A this season, he has demonstrated impressive strikeout potential. Cruz adds depth to the bullpen and may also play a role in the rotation amidst the busy schedule ahead.
As the Padres gear up for a demanding stretch of 26 games in 27 days, these changes in the roster are essential. The determination shown by the Padres to prioritize health while still seeking competitive strength in their pitching staff showcases the team’s resilience and strategic planning as they navigate through this pivotal period.
This situation underscores the importance of depth in a major league roster, particularly during rigorous stretches of the season. With the right adjustments and performances from call-ups, the Padres can maintain their competitiveness while allowing their injured pitchers the necessary time to recover fully.