Nationals just handed the Padres a possible solution to their piggyback rotation problem

The San Diego Padres are running out of options. This is a team that's been run down by injuries and setbacks all season within their starting rotation, and we are hitting a desperate point in the calendar for reinforcements.

We are past the trade deadline. San Diego's farm isn't looking like it's in a place to promote a starter. Where can the club turn? Surprisingly, the Washington Nationals may have done the Padres a favor by DFA'ing 30-year-old Zack Littell this past week.

Littell isn't the most ideal addition, but considering where the Padres' rotation stands, they need any help they can get.

Veteran starter Zack Littell could help the Padres more than fans may think

San Diego was really hoping that Casey Mize would provide a spark after the trade deadline. He struggled in his debut, so when you mix that in with the Padres' current state of struggles, it should cause panic.

Littell isn't a superstar. He won't rival Michael King at the top-end of the rotation, but he is still someone who can provide value. His ERA has gotten worse over each of the last three seasons, going from 3.63 in 2024, to 3.81 last year, to 4.97 this season. It looks bad, but Littelll really only faltered in three of his 24 appearances in 2026.

He allowed eight and six runs in consecutive April outings, plus eight runs against the A's in July. Outside of those three starts, he has a 3.74 ERA across 96.1 innings. Anyone would sign up for those numbers. But yes, you have to count on him having a clunker every now and then.

Another problem for Littell is that the Nationals may have not used him right. Pitching on four days rest this season, Littell boasted a 6.67 ERA, which was across six starts. If you give him another day to rest, he is significantly better. On five days rest, Littell has a 4.60 ERA and 1.277 WHIP. Again, they are not spectacular numbers, but still helpful.

Littell also has some experience pitching in the NL West this year, and he wasn't too bad. He surrendered two runs in 10 innings (two outings) against the Diamondbacks this season. He also faced the Padres and allowed two runs in six frames.

We're not saying that Zack Littell would be the savior of this rotation, but he can definitely plug up a few holes that have sunk the Padres' ship this year. Maybe it's worth bringing him on.

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