The San Diego Padres were dealt a brutal blow the day before their pivotal series against the Los Angeles Dodgers was set to begin. For the second time in 2025, the Padres placed starter Michael King on the injured list.
His first trip to the IL was for a shoulder issue; this time, is knee inflammation. Losing King is a tough blow, but the Padres might have an option internally who could be a huge help.
Jeff Saunders of The San Diego Union-Tribune reported on the Padres' minor league outings, and among the most noteworthy highlights was the first minor league start for JP Sears, who was acquired as part of the Mason Miller blockbuster trade.
"Left-hander JP Sears (1-0, 3.60 ERA) struck out three and allowed two runs on six hits and a walk in five innings in the win in his first start since his demotion from the majors." Saunder writes.
This outing from Sears, after the injury to King, became a huge deal for the Padres. Losing one starter is a tough blow, and while Randy Vasquez is taking King's spot on the active roster, Sears could be a big piece of the rotation.
His outing was solid enough, and is something to build upon going forward. If the Padres are without King for a large chunk of the season, then Sears could be a pivotal piece of the rotation.
The 29-year-old left-hander made just one start in the Majors with the Padres this season. It was a five-run, five-inning outing where he allowed 10 hits and one home run while striking out four in a loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Before coming to San Diego, Sears had a 4.95 ERA in 22 starts with the Athletics. In 2024, he had a 4.38 ERA in 23 starts, while in 2023, he had a 4.54 ERA in 32 starts, both with the Athletics.
He hasn't been a dominant starter in his career, but King's injury could force Sears into a pivotal role down the stretch for the Padres. He's not a terrible option to have in the minors, and this outing from Sears is a solid outing for his second with the Padres.
Amid King's injury, the Padres are looking for a new starter to become a mainstay of the rotation. In the meantime, Vasquez, who was a staple in the rotation for a while this season, is back up in the majors and will fill such a role.
However, Sears could be a very important piece of the rotation amid King's injury. While he continues to pitch in the minor leagues, the duration of King's injury could allow Sears to pitch meaningful innings in September and potentially October.
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