Concern Grows for Friday’s Starting Pitcher as Padres’ Michael King Lands on Injured List Due to Knee Injury

The Padres are heading to Dodger Stadium this weekend, but they won’t be at full strength as they try to hold onto their one-game lead in the NL West.

Right-hander Michael King has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left knee inflammation. In his place, the team has called up right-hander Randy Vásquez. However, it’s unclear if Vásquez will start on Friday against Clayton Kershaw in Los Angeles. The official starter is still listed as “to be determined.” Dylan Cease is set to pitch on Saturday, and Yu Darvish will take the mound on Sunday. There’s speculation that the Padres might use an opener in front of Vásquez for Friday’s game.

The Padres’ bullpen, which is considered one of the best in baseball, is well-rested. They had Thursday off, and their top relief pitchers were not used in Wednesday’s dominant 11-1 victory over the Giants.

Vásquez has a 3.93 ERA from 107⅔ innings pitched in the majors. He was reassigned after his start on August 2, where he struggled against the Giants. Now, he’ll take the mound again on four days’ rest after a rough outing in Triple-A.

Michael King has faced challenges this season, including missing over two months due to nerve issues. He had hoped to return to form after a strong season last year, where he pitched in the NL wild-card series.

As the Padres navigate these challenges, they will update King’s status on Friday.

In the world of baseball, injuries can be game-changers. According to a recent study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine, nearly 50% of MLB players will experience an injury during a season. This underlines the importance of depth in a team’s roster. The Padres have built a strong bullpen, which will be crucial during times like these.

Fan reactions on social media have been mixed. Some are concerned about King’s injury and the potential impact on the team’s performance. Others remain optimistic, trusting the coaching staff to make the right decisions.

Baseball is often about resilience. Teams must adapt to obstacles, and that’s exactly what the Padres are trying to do this weekend against the Dodgers.



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