The San Diego Padres are beginning to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a run for their money for the top spot in the NL West. Almost two weeks after a busy MLB trade deadline for the Padres, they are now tied for the division lead with the Dodgers.
After bringing in a large haul of players during the deadline, San Diego has a record of 8-3 in August and is currently riding a four-game win streak.
The Padres were also able to get ace pitcher Michael King back from a shoulder injury that had him on the injury list since mid-May. He returned on a pitching limit on Saturday, giving up four hits and two runs in two innings.
"The stuff was good," said Padres manager Mike Shildt while talking on MLB Network Radio. "As you would expect, he's still knocking off a bit of rust. But the future is bright with Michael King in our rotation."
With the #Padres rotation whole again, confidence is rolling HIGH in the Golden State.#ForTheFaithful
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 11, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/76FWOFLLhH pic.twitter.com/v8zXDuV7P2
After manager Shildt's recent comments, hopefully, the "future" is longer than the rest of this season.
King's return was exciting for the Padres; however, after this season, they will have a decision to make on the 30-year-old. San Diego and King have a $15 million mutual option linked to the 2026 season.
After being included in the Juan Soto to the New York Yankees deal back in 2023, King has arguably been the best starter in the Padres' pitching staff. Since being welcomed to San Diego, King has a 17-11 record, 2.92 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 266 strikeouts in 231.1 innings.
For now, Michael King will help contribute to the Padres' World Series contention in 2025. But his spot on the team is in question for seasons to come.