Michael King, the San Diego Padres’ right-handed starting pitcher, took the mound for three innings in a simulated game at Petco Park on Monday, marking a major milestone in his recovery. King reported feeling fully healed from his long thoracic nerve injury, expressing confidence as he prepares for a return to the Padres’ rotation in August. This Michael King Padres return update is a hopeful sign for the team as they look to strengthen their pitching staff for the remaining season.
King Confirms Recovery and Positive Feelings After Simulated Outing
King addressed his health and performance after the game, stating,
“I’m 100 percent. I haven’t had any real pain. It’s just that obviously the muscle just wasn’t firing. So now that it’s going, it’s really just trying to get my feet under me and make sure I’m progressing as fast as possible.”
This statement, shared via MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell, highlights King’s confidence in his physical condition and his focus on regaining full effectiveness on the mound.
Comfort of Pitching at Petco Park Boosts King’s Confidence
The pitcher noted that pitching at Petco Park helped elevate his performance. King said,
“(I felt) probably better than I would have thought. The adrenaline of pitching at Petco is a little bit more than Arizona backfields, so I was happy with the command of everything. Shapes were good. But, yeah, I felt like all pitches were commanded pretty well.”
This comfortable environment appeared to play a role in King’s encouraging outing, boosting optimism for his upcoming return.
Padres Manager Mike Shildt Praises King’s Progress and Outlook
Padres manager Mike Shildt expressed satisfaction with King’s simulated game performance, emphasizing the significance of King’s progress for the team’s pitching depth. Shildt said,
“Ball was coming out good and the changeup was good and the secondary was there. As you would expect after a multiple-month hiatus from the mound, there’s still a little bit of rust there. But as far as the ball coming out and the movements, it also looked like he felt good, and that’s the most important thing.”
He added,
“It looked free. It looked easy. It didn’t look apprehensive. So we saw a convicted athlete out there. And so it was very encouraging day for Michael King and the Padres.”
Plans for King’s Gradual Return and Role in the Padres Rotation
The Padres anticipate that Michael King will rejoin the starting rotation in August, a return that would bolster their efforts in securing a playoff position. King hopes to increase his innings in upcoming simulated games to build toward full competition. He commented,
“I’m always the type that wants to build as much as I possibly can. I was happy I was able to go three ups. … I would love to build as much as I possibly can as quick as I possibly can. So that’s going to be some conversations I have in the next couple days.”
King’s Return Expected to Strengthen Padres’ Push for the Postseason
With the San Diego Padres currently holding the third National League Wild Card spot, King’s comeback provides a critical boost to the pitching rotation as the team eyes a strong finish to the regular season. His return is anticipated to bring greater stability and depth to the staff, enhancing San Diego’s chances in their postseason ambitions under Mike Shildt’s guidance.