The San Diego Padres have announced that right-handed pitcher Michael King has been moved to the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his left knee, with the designation retroactive to August 11th. In response, the Padres recalled right-hander Randy Vásquez to fill the roster spot. This Michael King injured list update comes just before the Padres and Dodgers begin a vital three-game National League West series in Los Angeles.
Impact of King’s Absence on Padres’ Rotation Plans
Michael King’s placement on the injured list alters the Padres’ immediate pitching plans, especially since he was expected to start the opening game of the series against the Dodgers. The team has yet to offer a timeline for his return or further details on the extent of the knee inflammation. As a result, other pitchers, including Randy Vásquez and <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/dylan-cease/”>Dylan Cease, may be pushed into new roles, with Cease possibly starting Friday on regular rest instead of his initially scheduled Saturday slot.
Recent Injury History and Performance Challenges
King’s 2024 season has been marked by injury setbacks, making this latest development particularly concerning. He first went on the injured list in late May due to shoulder inflammation, initially thought to be minor but later attributed to a thoracic nerve issue. This kept King sidelined for over two months before he finally returned. Upon his comeback, he quickly made an impact, completing a rehab start on August 3rd with Triple-A El Paso, though allowing six earned runs over 3 1/3 innings. He was then activated to start on August 10th against the Boston Red Sox, pitching two innings and giving up two earned runs across 57 pitches.
King’s Past Success and Current Setback
Michael King enjoyed a breakout 2023 season for the Padres, posting 173 2/3 innings with a 2.95 ERA, a 27.7% strikeout rate, and an 8.7% walk rate. His performance this year resembled those strong metrics before injuries interrupted his rhythm. While the knee inflammation does not currently suggest a prolonged absence, it remains a troubling obstacle, especially as the Padres seek reliable pitching as they press for playoff positioning.
Rotation Depth and Upcoming Challenges for the Padres
With King sidelined again, the Padres will lean on a rotation featuring Dylan Cease, Yu Darvish, Nestor Cortes, Nick Pivetta, and potentially Randy Vásquez. While Pivetta has been one of the team’s bright spots this year, Cease’s recent starts have seen his ERA rise to 4.86 over ten outings. Meanwhile, Darvish and Cortes have spent much of the season on the injured list themselves. King’s return to form would have greatly bolstered the pitching staff, especially with a stretch of 13 consecutive games without an off-day starting with the Dodgers series.
Significance for King’s Free Agency Prospects
On a personal level, King’s injury complications cloud his future as a free agent. Once considered among the top starters available in the upcoming 2025-26 offseason, with strong potential for a nine-figure contract, his recent injury history has dimmed those expectations. His long absence this summer and now the knee issue introduce uncertainty around his durability and value.
“Getting back to the majors could have been the first step towards putting him back on track. Almost two months of solid regular season work followed by a few good postseason starts could have erased the memory of that shoulder injury. That could still happen to some degree, but the window is now narrower.” — Wendell Cruz, Image Sources
Outlook for King and the Padres Moving Forward
The Padres face a critical period without Michael King fully available, as they defend their slender division lead over the Dodgers. King’s presence within the rotation would have added much-needed stability and playoff experience. The team now must adapt to his absence and hope for contributions from other pitchers while closely monitoring King’s recovery timeline. How quickly King can return and regain his prior form remains a pressing question as the Padres navigate the demanding stretch ahead.