Padres’ latest roster shuffle gives newly acquired starter second audition

JP Sears has a golden opportunity to prove himself again. Traded to the Padres in a package ahead of the 2025 deadline that included Mason Miller, the 29-year-old lefty has not received the same treatment as the star reliever.

After just one start with San Diego, Sears was surprisingly sent down to Triple-A El Paso. Sears made just one start with the Chihuahuas, surrendering two runs in five solid innings of work. His outing was strong enough to convince the Padres that he is ready for another shot in the big leagues. After San Diego optioned Randy Vasquez to Triple-A this past week, the club decided to promote Sears to start on Wednesday night against the San Francisco Giants.

San Diego Padres recall JP Sears back to the big leagues after a forgettable debut

Sears has one of the best walk rates in the game, and he'll look to rely on that strength to keep himself on the major league roster. In his Padres debut on August 4 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, he walked just one batter in five innings, but scattered a season-worst 10 hits. Sears fanned four batters in that start, but was quickly informed he would be sent to Triple-A.

It's a bit unfair to call Wednesday's start a do-or-die outing for Sears, but considering he was demoted following one start after getting traded, he is clearly auditioning for the final spot in the starting rotation. Whether it's Vasquez or Sears, the Friars are giving both pitchers their chance to prove themselves with just one month left in the regular season.

Looking ahead of Wednesday night's start for Sears, he owns a career 1.82 ERA against the Giants in 24 2/3 innings. He has 26 strikeouts and a 2-1 record in four outings against them, so Sears and Padres fans are eager to see if he can tap back into those impressive metrics. If he is able to pitch well, we can get more comfortable with seeing Sears' name in the rotation weekly.