The San Diego Padres have activated starting pitcher Michael King from the 60-day injured list ahead of Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. This marks King’s first appearance for San Diego since May 18, as he works to regain full strength after months sidelined with a shoulder injury.
King was initially placed on the 15-day injured list on May 25 due to weakness in his pitching shoulder. Subsequent evaluation revealed a thoracic nerve issue, leading to his transfer to the 60-day list while he focused on recovery.
King Confident and Ready for a Controlled Return to the Mound
Speaking to reporters on Friday, King expressed full recovery from his injury, emphasizing caution around his pitch count during the start. “Definitely 100 percent,” King said.
I know I’ve said it for a little bit, but once I started getting function back, it was really just building up. Physically, I feel great. Just trying to be now as efficient as I possibly can with the pitch count I have.
King recently made a rehab start with Triple-A El Paso, pitching 3 1/3 innings and throwing 61 pitches. Despite allowing six runs, including two home runs, he struck out five batters in the appearance, a key step in his recovery process.
Background and Performance Before Injury
Michael King was the Padres’ Opening Day starter this season, boasting a 4-2 record with a 2.59 ERA over 10 starts before being sidelined. The 30-year-old came to San Diego following a trade with the New York Yankees after the 2023 season, part of the deal that sent star outfielder Juan Soto to the Bronx.
Last season, King recorded strong numbers, going 13-9 with a 2.95 ERA across 30 starts and one relief outing. In the postseason, he maintained a 2-0 record with a 3.75 ERA, highlighted by a dominant seven-inning, 12-strikeout shutout performance in Game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the Atlanta Braves.
Sean Reynolds Sent Down to Triple-A as Padres Make Roster Adjustment
In an accompanying roster move, the Padres optioned right-handed pitcher Sean Reynolds to Triple-A El Paso. Reynolds, 27, struggled in his recent outing against Boston, surrendering five runs, three hits, and five walks over 1 2/3 innings in a relief appearance that contributed to the Padres’ 10-2 loss.
Reynolds had appeared in 18 games this season, including one start, compiling an 0-1 record with a 5.55 ERA before the demotion.
Implications of King’s Return for the Padres
Michael King’s activation is a crucial boost for the Padres’ rotation as they prepare to face division rivals Boston Red Sox. His recovery and ability to manage his pitch count effectively will be closely monitored, as the club anticipates that his presence can stabilize their starting pitching amidst ongoing challenges.
With King back on the mound, the Padres look to recapture the form that made him a valuable asset last season, hoping it translates into sustained success for the remainder of their campaign.