Padres: Mike Clevinger could reportedly return for NLDS

The Padres could be getting a big boost if Mike Clevinger is ready for the Dodgers NLDS matchup. The question remains how healthy he’d be though.

Fresh off their amazing comeback in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, the Padres might be getting a much-needed shot in the arm. According to Pedro Gomez of ESPN, Mike Clevinger could be returning to pitch against the Dodgers in the NLDS.

Clevinger, 29, was acquired at the trade deadline to bolster the Padres rotation. However, he’s been out since the end of the regular season with bicep tightness that was later diagnosed as an elbow sprain.

The Padres were hopeful that he could return against the Cardinals, especially after what initially looked like a successful bullpen session. But both he and Dinelson Lamet were left off the wild card roster.

With both guys out, the series against the Cardinals offered a glimpse of the lack of depth in this pitching staff, especially with a struggling Chris Paddack. Getting Clevinger back for the Dodgers series would obviously be huge for a team hopeful for a deep postseason run.

The Dodgers breezed through their Wild Card matchup against the Brewers with excellent pitching performances and Mookie Betts riding a hot streak. The Padres figure to see all of Buehler, Kershaw, and May in this series, and they’ll need have an equally potent rotation.

Let’s see what transpires leading up to Game 1 on Tuesday.