Padres trade acquisition has chance to shine after Joe Musgrove injury

Randy Vásquez's introduction to the Friar faithful was rather abbreviated. Vásquez came to the San Diego Padres as part of the Juan Soto deal and has appeared in two games already this season. Unfortunately, Vásquez's last start didn't necessarily leave Pads fans clamoring for more.

Vásquez was quite good during his initial outing as a member of the Padres starting rotation. But Vásquez's second start five days later saw the rookie succumb to a high pitch count. Vásquez walked two batters while allowing four runs on six hits and was pulled after throwing 72 pitches through less than three innings. That game was, however, in the pitcher's nightmare that is Coors Field.

Vásquez is now back with the Friars and will be looking to put that last outing in the rearview mirror. The Padres recalled Vásquez from Triple-A El Paso after starting pitcher Joe Musgrove landed on the injured list. Java Joe is hopeful to miss the minimal amount of time on the IL while nursing an elbow injury, while Vásquez will be looking to improve upon his standing within the Padres' organization.

Padres' RHP Randy Vásquez has chance to shine after Joe Musgrove injury

The Padres have tabbed Vásquez as Tuesday's starter against the Chicago Cubs, with Yu Darvish going on Monday night and both Matt Waldron and Michael King having pitched over the weekend.

Vásquez's numbers in the minor leagues aren't very encouraging, though. The right-hander's latest outing saw him go just 3.2 innings while allowing four runs on four hits to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Houston Astros' Triple-A affiliate). Prior to that start, Vásquez owned an ERA near 8.00 through his first three starts at Triple-A.

While the Padres were able to secure the services of Dylan Cease, the Friars' depth in the minors took a hit. Both Drew Thorpe (who was also included in the Juan Soto trade) and Jairo Iriarte are now part of the Chicago White Sox organization. With that in mind, the Padres need Vásquez to help offset those farm system losses.

Though Vásquez's numbers since joining the Padres have been rather underwhelming, during his appearances with the Yankees in 2023, he went 2-2 with a 2.87 ERA (albeit in relief). Vásquez is stepping into the swingman role that Nick Martinez filled for the Padres in 2023, and a strong showing over the next couple of weeks could make sure he remains with the big league club in some capacity.

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