After going down with a pinched nerve, the San Diego Padres have remained quiet about the status of pitcher Michael King. While several reports have surfaced about the nature of his injury, there is still no clear timeline for his return.
Recently, Padres manager Mike Shildt gave a brief but telling update.
Mike Shildt Remains Vague on Michael King’s Injury
King signed a one-year deal worth $7.75 million to stay with San Diego through the 2025 season. The deal includes a mutual option for 2026 that would cost the Padres $15 million. Given the uncertainty surrounding his health, that future price tag now looks like a big question mark.
Mike Shildt said they are still gathering information on Michael King’s injury. Mentioned that it is not common with baseball players.
He has played some catch, but the recommendation is rest.
In a holding pattern to see what it is and how to treat it.— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) June 9, 2025
Shildt told reporters the team is “still gathering information” and noted the injury is not something typically seen in baseball players. That lack of familiarity may be slowing down the diagnosis and treatment plan. For now, the Padres are being extra cautious before putting a label on King’s condition or estimating a return date.
What We Know So Far
King is currently on the 15-day injured list. His last appearance was on May 18. According to Shildt, King has resumed light throwing, but doctors have advised rest as the primary course of action. Shildt said, “He has played some catch, but the recommendation is rest. In a holding pattern to see what it is and how to treat it.”
It’s unusual for a team to lack a clear diagnosis for a pitcher this far into an injury timeline. King had been enjoying a strong season before the setback.
King Was Building on a Breakout Season
The 30-year-old right-hander was having a career year in his second season with the Padres. After spending his first five seasons with the New York Yankees, King arrived in San Diego in 2024 as part of the Juan Soto trade. This year, he held a 4–2 record with a 2.59 ERA, racking up 64 strikeouts to just 17 walks in 55.2 innings.
King started all 10 games he appeared in this season, continuing his transition to a full-time starter. With the Yankees, he started just 19 of 115 games. Since joining the Padres, he’s only worked in relief once over 41 outings.
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He’s coming off a 13–9 season in 2024 where he made 30 starts, posted a 2.95 ERA, and struck out a career-high 201 batters over 173.2 innings. That workload was more than his combined innings from 2022 and 2023, signaling a clear evolution in his role and stamina.
Padres Need King for the Stretch Run
San Diego remains in the hunt for the NL West crown, sitting just half a game behind the San Francisco Giants and two games back of the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. The reigning World Series champs are holding the top spot, but the race is tight.
If the Padres want to keep pace, they’ll need King healthy. His ability to eat innings and control the strike zone has made him one of the most valuable arms in their rotation.