Lucas Giolito injury forces Padres to face their rotation problem all over again

The Padres signed Lucas Giolito because they needed rotation insurance. And unfortunately, their insurance policy was just put on the IL, too. It seems like every time San Diego looks like it might be inching toward a little more stability, another starter gets put on the shelf, and it becomes time to rearrange the plan again. 

Giolito landing on the injured list with elbow inflammation is not an automatic disaster. He had been shaky in recent weeks, but it’s not exactly like they have dependable starting pitching waiting right behind him. 

So, the Padres will turn to lefty JP Sears, who has now been recalled to take Giolito’s spot. When Sears takes the mound, it’ll be his first appearance this season in a Padres uniform. He was acquired by the Padres in the Mason Miller trade that also saw them ship Leo De Vries, Henry Baez, Braden Nett, and Eduarneil Nunez to the Athletics. 

Lucas Giolito injury gives JP Sears another shot to stick with Padres

Sears made five starts for the Padres last year, posting a 5.47 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 24 2/3 innings. Not exactly a stint that would earn a permanent spot in the rotation, but it was serviceable enough to keep him in the conversation as emergency depth. He bounced between Triple-A and the majors, filling in when the Padres needed a temporary starter. And now, with Lucas Giolito sidelined, it looks like he’s being asked to play that  role again.

The 30-year-old lefty still has a couple years of control, and the organization is clearly hoping that getting him into their pitching lab can eventually unlock something more useful than back-end depth. 

In the meantime, Sears should get a real shot to hold down a rotation spot while Giolito is out. That sounds simple, but with the way this rotation has been held together lately, even simple feels pretty important.

It is also fair to wonder how long this leash will be. Germán Márquez is still working his way back on a rehab assignment, and his return could change the situation quickly. That makes Sears’ call-up feel like a possible quick audition more than a guaranteed runway. If he gives the Padres something usable, maybe he buys himself another turn. If he gets hit around, this could be another short stay before the Padres move on to the next patch.

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