Michael King’s latest stumble puts unlikely Padres pitcher in the mix

Michael King has not been the same pitcher since his injury on May 18th. In his three starts since then (one in August, before a second brief IL stint, and two in September), the Padres' Ace has an ERA of 10.80. He's allowed 12 earned runs in 10 innings pitched since May 18th.

It does not exactly inspire confidence going into the postseason.

Yes, King is still an ace pitcher. He will likely sign a massive contract this offseason. If it's with the Padres, it will almost guarantee him as their Opening Day Starter next year. That doesn't make these past three starts any less worrisome.

Clearly, something is not right with King. In his last start, on Tuesday against the Mets, King allowed eight runs in three innings. Not exactly a playoff-worthy outing. It's raising questions as to whether King would be one of the Padres' three starters in a potential three-game series against the Cubs, as it's looking like San Diego will be going to Chicago to begin the playoffs.

It's safe to say Nick Pivetta will be starting game one of the postseason. And while he's struggled at times this year, Dylan Cease is healthy and has had back-to-back good outings. It feels like Cease is likely starting either game two or game three.

King, who would have been the clear third man in the rotation, now is raising questions. Yu Darvish has also struggled since his own return of the Injured List, with a 5.63 ERA this season.

What about Randy Vasquez? The 26-year-old starter has made 24 starts this season and has a 5-6 record. That record probably doesn't do him justice. He's been worth 2.2 bWAR, with a 3.76 ERA and a 116 ERA+. His FIP has not been as good, currently just 4.94, but he's been over-performing it all year long.

While his record might only be 5-6, the team's record when he takes the mound is 16-9. The team is winning nearly two-thirds of his starts. Compared to King (6-7) and Darvish (7-6), it's clear which pitcher has given his team a better chance to win this season.

It might not have seemed likely after his up-and-down season last year, but Vasquez might have earned an opportunity to start a game for the Padres on the biggest stage.