Padres’ JP Sears silences doubts with sharp return to rotation against NL West rival

If anyone ever needed a big game, it was JP Sears on Wednesday night. The Padres' left-handed pitcher was demoted after just one forgettable start with San Diego following getting traded, but the Friars ultimately gave him another shot. The 29-year-old, after making one appearance with Triple-A El Paso, was recalled to San Diego.

Sears needed to bask in the opportunity, and not just for the team, but for himself. Facing the San Francisco Giants at home, Sears handed in his best start in almost two months to lead the Padres to an 8-1 victory, keeping his spot in the starting rotation afloat.

JP Sears records his best start in two months with his back against the wall in battle for spot in Padres' rotation

Sears twirled six innings, allowing one run (with some help from Fernando Tatis Jr.) on four hits with just one walk issued. It was Sears' first quality start since July 4, and his sixth overall this year.

Getting traded, then immediately demoted is a lot to take in for a player, but Sears has handled the chaos impressively well. That level of mental fortitude, mixed in with physically performing in a MLB game, makes for a solid chance that Sears stays in the starting rotation for the rest of the regular season.

"Very impressive, very encouraging," said Padres manager Mike Shildt about Sears.

San Diego optioned Randy Vasquez in exchange for calling up Sears, and it seems like those two pitchers will duke it out for the final spot in the rotation. Vasquez has been solid this year, but if Sears - a left-hander - can maintain success and pitch deep into games, it will be difficult to leave him out. The Padres will have a lot to think about with their pitching staff as we move into the final month of the regular season, and they can thank JP Sears for making this decision even harder - though it's not a bad problem for the club to have.