Padres hit again as untimely line drive forces another starter to IL

The San Diego Padres’ 2025 season has been one of attrition, and the hits — literally just keep coming. On Tuesday night, promising right-hander Ryan Bergert became the latest casualty of a relentless stretch of injuries that have decimated the Padres' starting rotation. A scorching 103 -mph line drive off the bat of a Nationals hitter Jacob Young caught Bergert squarely in the forearm during his start in a 4–3 win, abruptly ending his outing and, for now, his availability.

Though X-rays returned negative for any fractures, the Padres officially placed Bergert on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with a right forearm contusion. The team indicated the move was precautionary, but the discomfort and swelling are expected to linger, especially when throwing. For a club already limping through a thinned-out pitching rotation, Bergert’s absence is yet another bitter blow at an inopportune time.

Padres’ pitching depth tested again as Bergert joins growing IL list

The 25-year-old Bergert had emerged as a quietly reliable option in the Padres’ patchwork rotation. After beginning the year in Triple-A El Paso, he has been recalled twice, most recently  in early June and has gradually earned trust. Through nine appearances — five of them starts — Bergert posted a 1-0 record with a 2.67 ERA, striking out 23 batters in 27 innings. His ability to transition between bullpen and rotation roles made him a critical piece amid mounting injuries to top arms like Michael King, Yu Darvish, and Joe Musgrove.

With Bergert now shelved, the Padres are left with just four healthy starting pitchers, and once again forced to scour their depth chart. They’ve recalled 6-foot-8 right-hander Sean Reynolds from El Paso. Reynolds has made 16 big-league appearances this season, including one start, and holds a 4.15 ERA with 19 strikeouts over 21 2/3  innings. Whether he’ll serve as a spot starter or simply eat innings out of the bullpen remains to be seen, but his presence at least gives San Diego another arm to play with as they continue treading water in a competitive NL West.

There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Of the sidelined starters, Yu Darvish appears closest to a return. Last Friday, Darvish threw two simulated innings following batting practice, facing Trenton Brooks and two minor leaguers while logging 39 pitches. 

Still, it’s hard to ignore the brutal timing of Bergert’s injury. The Padres entered June looking to gain ground, but they instead spent most of the month trying to hold the rotation together. With the trade deadline looming and their pitching staff held together by contingency plans, how much longer San Diego can stay afloat remains a pressing question.