The San Diego Padres are getting some firepower back this weekend as Michael King is set to return from the 60-day IL. The hard-throwing righty was initially placed on the 15-day IL on May 25 and then transferred to the 60-day IL on July 7 due to a long thoracic nerve issue in his right shoulder. Tests revealed no structural damage, but he was still shut down from throwing.
It took until late June for the nerve injury to start healing, and once it did, King started throwing again, and he got back on the mound in July. In late July, he threw a simulated game at Petco Park with no issues and felt ready to get back out there. According to MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell, fans can expect to see him back on the bump for Saturday’s game against the Boston Red Sox. King is set to take over JP Sears’ spot in the rotation after they optioned their trade acquisition to Triple-A on Tuesday following a rough start. The lefty made his debut with the Padres on Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, giving up five runs on 10 hits in the 6-2 loss.
Michael King has missed nearly three months of action dealing with his nerve issue. Before the injury, the club’s Opening Day starter made 10 appearances, resulting in a 4-2 record with a 2.59 ERA on 55.2 innings of work. His return will certainly be felt, especially to a club that has kept itself within striking distance of first place in the National League West.
