It has been a struggle for Michael King to stay off the IL this season. In late May, he was placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation, which was later revealed to be an issue with his thoracic nerve that kept him out for over two months.
After returning and making just one start, the righty was placed on the IL again, this time with left knee inflammation. He was placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to August 14, but is progressing through his rehab.
King has been throwing simulated games, with his most recent one being last Saturday, where he threw 44 pitches during a three-inning span, via CBS Sports. He is scheduled to throw at least one more simulated game before being activated.
Current thoughts are that King will not need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment, but concrete plans have not been laid down yet. Either way, King throwing simulated games is a great sign that he could return relatively soon.
Padres' pitchers have held it down with Michael King on the IL
San Diego has not faltered since Michael King was originally placed on the IL. Starting pitchers and the bullpen have stepped up this season, shutting the door on opposing hitters.
Going into Friday, the club holds a team ERA of 3.60, which ranks them second across Major League Baseball. Only the Texas Rangers have a better team ERA, sitting at 3.42.
If everything continues to go well and King returns soon, San Diego is adding another pitcher who makes it hard to score runs off of. He has kept his ERA under 2.96 since 2020.