The San Diego Padres are in the middle of a fierce divisional contest with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and their chances of clinching the division hinge partly on the health of starting pitcher Michael King. King was removed from his most recent planned start on Friday, a game that ultimately ended in a 3-2 loss to the Dodgers.

During that matchup, the Padres’ bullpen limited the Dodgers to just two runs over the first six innings, which was a strong showing despite the close defeat. However, the absence of King, a former New York Yankees pitcher, remains a notable setback for the team.

Details of King’s Injury and Initial Recovery

King was sidelined for several months due to a peculiar shoulder injury. After missing a start back in May, he spent the following weeks focusing on rehabilitation, which included bullpen sessions and simulated innings to regain his pitching form. However, as he began this recovery process, he also experienced knee problems that eventually subsided. Following this, King made his first return to pitching on August 9.

In that comeback outing, King threw 57 pitches over more than two innings while allowing two runs. Despite this effort, he reported experiencing renewed pain in his knee.

King Describes Mechanic Issues Linked to Knee Pain

King spoke to Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union-Tribune about the challenges posed by his knee injury during his return session. He said,

“I definitely mechanically was a little bit off.”

He explained that it was difficult to fully hyperextend his leg and perform the motion across his body needed to pitch effectively. This limitation prevented him from being able to execute his usual pitching mechanics against Boston.

So I think that talking to Ruben (Niebla), that was the main thing of like, if it’s starting to affect the mechanics, we’ve got to address it. So very happy with how it felt after it got drained, and I haven’t felt it at all today, so I’m really happy about that.

—Michael King, San Diego Padres pitcher

Padres Opt for Caution: Extended Rest Planned

With an eye on the playoffs, the Padres have decided to keep King inactive for several more weeks to ensure he recovers fully and can provide quality performances during the season‘s final stretch. The current target for his return is around August 25 to 27.

King remains realistic about the recovery process, acknowledging the pain that will accompany his gradual comeback. He stated,

“I know it will hurt every pitch, and I think at this point in the season, we can give myself a couple starts to make sure I don’t feel it for the rest of the season and throughout the playoffs.”

He expressed optimism about his progress compared to the days before treatment:

“It feels a lot better today … I’m hoping that, based on how it feels today, from what it was yesterday before it got drained, I’m hoping it’s the minimum amount of time it can be. So, yeah, I’m definitely eyeing Seattle, which I think is the first time I can come back. But obviously it depends on how it feels next couple days.”

Implications for the Padres’ Playoff Run

The cautious approach to managing King’s injury illustrates the Padres’ commitment to preserving their pitching depth ahead of the postseason. With the team battling the Dodgers for division supremacy, King’s availability could be a critical factor in their run. By allowing extra time for recovery, the Padres hope King returns to the mound while minimizing the risk of setbacks that could impact their playoff hopes.

As Michael King hopes to rejoin the rotation by late August, his progress will be closely monitored by the Padres coaching staff, including pitching coach Ruben Niebla, to ensure he is ready to contribute effectively in the final games of the regular season and the playoffs that follow.