Padres News: Kolek makes starting debut, Suarez named Reliever of the Month, Tatis Jr.'s hustle wins the game

Since the San Diego Padres optioned Kyle Hart to Triple-A El Paso, they have been operating by a four-man committee in the starting rotation. That will end on Sunday, thankfully, as the Friars are promoting right-hander Stephen Kolek to make his MLB starting debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates on the road.

Kolek tossed in 42 relief appearance with San Diego in 2024, boasting a 5.21 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings. It seemed like he was working his way out of those lofty numbers, and he produced a strong spring training before eventually meeting his fate of starting the year in the minors.

He made five starts with El Paso, going 1-0 with an ERA over six, but the Padres need him to figure things out quick to hold down that five-spot in the rotation as the Padres are looking to sweep the Pirates on Sunday.

The club wouldn't be in that position if it weren't for Fernando Tatis Jr., who was a superhero on Saturday night. In the ninth inning, the star outfielder did it all by himself. He legged out a hustle-double, then stole third base without a throw even being made by Pirates' catcher Joey Bart.

Then, Tatis Jr. scampered home following a bouncing curveball that dribbled no more than two-to-three feet from home plate to give the Friars a 2-1 lead. This all happened just one day after Tatis Jr. left the game with a left forearm contusion.

Robert Suarez, who was named the National League Reliever of the Month in April, carried his prowess into May. He recorded his 13th save in as many tries, and faced the minimum to jump the Padres to 21-11 in the standings. Hitters now have a .102 batting average against Suarez this season, striking out 16 times in 15 innings.