Padres ace takes first steps toward rotation return

The San Diego Padres may be getting some much-needed clarity in their starting rotation soon, and it would be a big boost.

Right-hander Michael King made his first official rehab start on August 3 for Triple-A El Paso as he continues his comeback from a thoracic nerve issue that sapped strength in his throwing shoulder. Pitching on the road at Round Rock, King went 3 1/3 innings, allowed six earned runs, and struck out five on 61 pitches. On the surface, the line wasn’t sharp, but the real story is that King is healthy and trending up.

Michael King makes crucial rehab start as Padres eye rotation boost

The fact that he reached 60+ pitches in his first outing is especially encouraging. It suggests the Padres are giving him the green light to get stretched out as a starter rather than easing him back. He also threw three simulated innings at Petco Park, another indication that he’s progressing quickly in his ramp-up.

The Padres are currently running with a four-man rotation after the surprising demotion of JP Sears, one of the club’s marquee trade deadline acquisitions alongside Mason Miller. Sears, after a rocky debut against the St. Louis Cardinals, was optioned to Triple-A El Paso and won’t be eligible for a recall for at least 15 days unless someone hits the injured list. Fellow starter Randy Vásquez, was optioned earlier to make room in the rotation.

With two starters sent down and no immediate fifth option waiting in the wings, all signs are pointing to King’s return being imminent. Whether he makes one more rehab start or rejoins the big-league club directly remains to be seen. But with King already stretched past 60 pitches, it’s a fair bet he’s on the doorstep.

In the meantime, the Padres have temporarily added reliever Sean Reynolds to bolster a nine-man bullpen, a sign they’re willing to patchwork the rotation while King finishes his tune-up.

If all goes according to plan, the Padres could soon welcome back a versatile arm who was one of their most reliable starters prior to his injury. And as the playoff push intensifies, the timing couldn’t be better.

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