The San Diego Padres were dealt a bit of bad news late on Wednesday night, as AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reported that star pitcher Michael King will likely be out past the All-Star break.
"Padres right-hander Michael King is expected to be out at least through the All-Star break," Cassavell writes. "Manager Mike Shildt acknowledged ahead of Wednesday night's game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles."
The injury keeping King out is a pinched nerve in his right shoulder. While he's working his way back and has begun some throwing exercises, his return coming before the All-Star break doesn't look likely.
Padres manager Mike Shildt also provided clarity on his injury timeline, answering a question about whether King would be out past the All-Star break.
"I think that's pretty accurate," Shildt said. "I don't think we can begin to put a date on it. As we all know, the further away he is from it, the longer it takes to get back."
Shildt's comments point towards the Padres being without their starting pitcher for at least the next month. Part of what makes this injury hurt more than it already does for San Diego is how tight the National League West is.
The Dodgers are in great shape atop the division, and after the San Francisco Giants added Rafael Devers, the Padres look to be the third team in the division. Getting King back would be huge for the Padres in their effort to win the division, or at worst, secure a postseason spot in the Wild Card.
In 2025, King has been a great start. Through 10 starts, King has a 2.59 ERA and a 4-2 record. He's accumulated 1.4 WAR and even had a complete game shutout. Across his 55.2 innings pitched in 2025, he has 64 strikeouts and just 17 walks allowed. His 1.024 WHIP is also great, and proof that he's having a strong season.
However, King is expected to be out past the All-Star break. With no timeline for his return afterwards, there is palpable concern that King may be out for a while longer. But, regardless of when King returns, the Padres are expected to be without their star pitcher for at least the next month.