The San Diego Padres opened a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday but were forced to make a late change in their rotation.
Michael King had been scheduled to start, but after being placed on the 15-day injured list on Thursday, the Padres turned to 26-year-old Randy Vasquez.
Vasquez was able to put together a quality outing despite taking the loss while going up against the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw. Through 3.2 innings, Vasquez gave up three hits, two earned runs, a walk, and struck out four while throwing 58 pitches. It was his first start for the Padres since Aug. 2.
After promoting the starter, the Padres optioned him back to Triple-A El Paso on Saturday, according to CBS Sports. This is the second time the Padres optioned Vasquez between the minor leagues and their 26-man roster this month.
Vasquez has appeared in 23 games for the Padres this season and has shown success. His 2025 statistics include a 3-6 record, 3.96 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, and 59 strikeouts in 111.1 innings.
MORE: Padres reveal injury timeline for Michael King
San Diego made the move to make room for relief pitcher Ron Marinaccio on their roster. The 30-year-old has mostly played in the minors this season, but has made two appearances with the Padres in 2025, pitching two clean innings on July 27 and July 29.
Marinaccio was acquired by the Padres before the 2025 season via trade with the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.
San Diego will look to take back the top spot in the NL West as they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second time on Saturday night.
